NICKEL FIVE-CENT PIECE 1883-1913 Liberty, With Cents
Description
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.
Valuation
- COIN NAME
- NICKEL FIVE-CENT PIECE 1883-1913 Liberty, With Cents
- DESIGNED BY
- Charles E. Barber
- ISSUE DATE
- 1883-1913
- COMPOSITION
- 75% copper, 25% nickel
- DIAMETER
- 21.2 mm
- WEIGHT
- 77.16 grains (5 grams)
- EDGE
- Plain
- BUS MINT
- 596,535,965
- PROOF MINT
- 79,923
The statements made on this website are opinions only. Past results are no guarantee of future performance or returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same depending on a variety of factors. Lear Capital, Inc. cannot guarantee, and makes no representation, that any metals purchased will appreciate at all or appreciate sufficiently to make customers a profit. Lear is a retail seller of precious metals and its buyback (or bid) prices are lower than its sell (or ask) prices. Metals must appreciate enough to account for this difference in order for customer to make a profit when liquidating the metals. Lear does not provide financial advice or retirement planning services. The decision to purchase or sell precious metals, and which precious metals to purchase or sell, are the customer’s decision alone, and purchases and sales should be made subject to the customer’s own research, prudence and judgment.