NICKEL FIVE-CENT PIECE 1883-1913 Liberty, With Cents

It was necessary to add back the word CENTS in this issue to thwart counterfeiting of $5 Gold Pieces. The Without Cents design was gold-plated and passed off on unsuspecting merchants.

The reverse design was modified to incorporate CENTS below the wreath. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, earlier in that space, was reduced in size and placed in an arc above the wreath. This style was continued through the end of the series in 1912. Coinage was continuous from 1883 onward. Scarce early dates include 1885 (the key issue) and 1886. In 1912, nickel five-cent pieces were struck for the first time at Denver and San Francisco. Sometime after 1912, some 1913-dated Liberty Head nickels were struck. The quantity was not recorded, but collectors know only five such pieces today.

The numismatist seeking an example for a type set will have no difficulty acquiring a common date, particularly in the 1900-1912 span; in any grade desired from Good through AU. Uncirculated pieces are scarcer, and superb Uncirculated pieces are quite elusive. Proofs, which were made in fairly large quantities throughout the series, usually are sharply struck and can be obtained without difficulty, although uncleaned pieces often show fight flecks due to moisture.

Many Liberty nickels show evidence of light striking on certain of the obverse stars and also on the reverse wreath, particularly in the lower portion at the left. It may take some searching to find a sharply struck example.