Struck between 1883 and 1912, Liberty head nickels are a hot item with collectors. Some can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars, so it's important to know what to look for when you're going through a coin collection. From the ultra-rare (and valuable) 1913 Liberty head nickel to the more common versions of this coin, this is a fascinating glimpse into United States history and coin minting.
The front of the Liberty nickel has a portrait of Lady Liberty surrounded by stars. The back has a V (roman numeral for five) wreathed in leaves. This back design gives the coin its nickname of the "V-nickel."
Most Valuable Liberty Head Nickels
Every Liberty nickel is worth at least five cents (its face value), but most are worth quite a bit more. This coin is usually worth at least a couple of dollars in decent condition. However, some are worth so much more.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Affectionately called "the king of 20th-century coins," this is a coin that's not really supposed to exist. The Liberty head nickel was discontinued in 1912 to be replaced with the Buffalo nickel, but at least five examples exist that are dated 1913. These are some of the most valuable coins in the world.
No one knows exactly how the 1913 Liberty head nickels came to be. They may have been struck late in 1912 or very early in 1913 for a collector or simply for fun. No matter the reason, the coins are extremely rare. While you might not encounter one in your grandpa's coin collection, it's still fun to know that an example of this coin sold for $3,373,500 in 2010.
1910 Liberty Head Nickel, Deep Cameo Proof
Although the 1910 Liberty head nickel isn't as rare as the few 1913 examples that exist, it's still very hard to find in a proof with a deep cameo. The cameo is the contrast between the background and the raised design on the coin, and more contrast is often better. An example in pristine condition sold for $84,000 in 2018.
1885 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1885 Liberty head nickel is considered a key date by collectors, so there's tons of demand for this coin. However, it's rare to find them in uncirculated condition. Among the uncirculated ones, there's still variation in the quality of the strike. An example rated superb gem sold for $43,000 at auction in 2017.
1912-S Liberty Head Nickel
The 1912 Liberty nickel is special because it's the last year the coin was minted (except for the secret examples from 1913). Those from the San Francisco Mint are the rarest, and they're also especially tricky to find in pristine condition. An uncirculated superb gem coin sold for $37,375 in 2012.
1886 Liberty Head Nickel
Although there were slightly fewer nickels minted in 1885, 1886 is also an important year and hard to find to complete a collection. In fact, 1886 can be even more difficult to get in great condition, so these can be ultra-valuable. A premium gem condition coin sold for $34,800 in 2017.
Related: Key Factors in Buffalo Nickel Values
Tips to Find Valuable Liberty Nickels
Although almost any Liberty nickel will be worth more than five cents, there are some factors that can make them worth more. As you're going through old coins, keep these tips in mind.
- Check for rare years. The rarest of the rare is 1913, but look for nickels from the 1880s, too.
- Look for early 20th-century nickels in good condition. The 1910 and 1911 Liberty head nickels, as well as 1912, are hot with collectors if they're in mint condition.
- Watch for proofs. Proof coins have a shinier surface and crisper details, so if you've got something that looks special, it might be worth more.
- Grab a magnifying glass. To see the details, such as mint marks or tiny errors, you need to look really closely.
Related: The Most Valuable Nickels to Check for in Your Change Jar
Liberty Nickels Are Icons of the 19th and 20th Centuries
The Liberty head nickel is an icon of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although these aren't as well known as Buffalo nickels, they're still really valuable. If you have one in your collection, take the time to look at it carefully and see if it could be worth serious money.
