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The 1907 Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the "V" Nickel due to the prominent Roman numeral “V” on its reverse, is a quintessential piece of early 20th-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1907 issue marks the penultimate year of the Liberty Head design before its replacement by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. As one of the more common dates in the series, the 1907 Liberty V Nickel is widely collected, and in Uncirculated condition, it offers an exceptional glimpse into the artistry and minting standards of the era. Its lustrous surfaces, well-preserved details, and historical context make it an appealing example for collectors of U.S. type coins and series specialists alike.
The Liberty Head Nickel was designed by Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1879 to 1917. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The coronet sits atop her carefully styled hair, with loose curls cascading behind her neck. Thirteen stars encircle the periphery, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies, and the date “1907” appears at the bottom. In Uncirculated condition, all of these design features remain crisp and full, with Liberty’s hair strands, the laurel wreath detail on the coronet, and the facial features sharply defined. The coin’s original mint luster—often a soft satin or frosty glow—remains intact, highlighting the sculptural quality of Barber’s work.
The reverse of the Liberty V Nickel is equally elegant, showcasing a large Roman numeral “V” to indicate the coin’s value of five cents. This “V” is framed by an intricate wreath composed of cotton, corn, wheat, and tobacco—crops symbolizing different regions of the United States. Above the wreath is the legend “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircle the upper perimeter. In Uncirculated specimens, the leaves, grain textures, and ribbon details within the wreath are bold and complete. The denticles and rim remain sharp, and the fields typically display minimal contact marks or blemishes due to careful handling or protective storage since mintage.
Struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1907 Liberty Head Nickel bears no mintmark, as was customary for Philadelphia issues at the time. The total mintage for the year was 39,213,325 coins, making it one of the more abundant years in the series. This high mintage has contributed to the availability of the 1907 issue in circulated grades, but true Uncirculated examples are significantly scarcer. Coins that have never entered circulation and retain their original mint state characteristics are especially prized, both for their beauty and for their historical preservation.
The Liberty Head Nickel was struck in a copper-nickel alloy composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, measuring 21.2 millimeters in diameter and weighing 5 grams. The composition gave the coins a pale, slightly grayish appearance, distinct from the bronze or silver coinage of the era. The nickel alloy was durable and cost-effective for small denomination coins and contributed to the coin’s longevity in circulation. In uncirculated condition, the fields of a 1907 Liberty Nickel often exhibit a smooth, matte-like finish with excellent reflectivity depending on the specific die state. Strike quality for the 1907 issue is generally strong, with full details in Liberty’s hair and the reverse wreath commonly seen on higher-grade examples.
The Liberty Nickel series has several key dates and rarities, most notably the legendary 1913 issue, of which only five specimens are known. While the 1907 is not considered rare, its status as a high-mintage, well-struck coin makes it a favorite among type collectors looking for a representative example of the design. In Uncirculated grade, the coin showcases the full artistic intention of Barber’s design, unmarred by wear or heavy abrasions. Coins graded MS60 through MS65 can still be obtained at relatively affordable prices, though premiums increase significantly for pieces in gem condition or with exceptional luster and eye appeal.
In evaluating a 1907 Liberty Head Nickel in Uncirculated condition, collectors focus on the sharpness of strike, preservation of luster, and absence of distracting marks or discoloration. A well-struck coin will exhibit full detail in Liberty’s coronet, hair, and the fine elements of the reverse wreath. Luster should be even and unbroken across the surface, with minimal toning or fingerprinting. Contact marks, if present, should be minor and limited to the fields or edges. Coins that meet these criteria are often graded MS63 to MS65, with higher-end examples showing vibrant luster and nearly flawless surfaces.
The Liberty Head Nickel series ran from 1883 to 1913, and its lifespan spanned significant developments in U.S. coinage and society. The 1907 issue was released during a period of industrial growth and technological change in America, just before the economic turmoil of the Panic of 1907 and only a few years before the introduction of more modern and expressive designs like the Buffalo Nickel and the Lincoln Cent. As such, the Liberty Nickel stands as a product of late 19th-century conservative minting values—focused on symmetry, clarity, and national symbolism. Its enduring popularity among collectors is a testament to its aesthetic appeal and its importance in the evolution of U.S. numismatic design.
In summary, the 1907 Liberty V Nickel in Uncirculated condition is a handsome and accessible artifact of early 20th-century American coinage. With its well-rendered portrait of Liberty, symbolic reverse design, and classic composition, it provides a tangible connection to the Barber era of U.S. Mint artistry. Whether acquired as a type coin or as part of a full Liberty Nickel set, this piece offers both historical significance and numismatic satisfaction. Its affordability in mint state, combined with its handsome appearance and durable composition, ensures that the 1907 Liberty Nickel remains a staple in many fine collections.