U.S. Mint coin reference

1883–1912: Liberty Head "V" Nickel (Variety 2: "With Cents" on Reverse)

Liberty V Nickel Liberty Head nickel series reference.

View mintage profile

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1883-1912

Country: United States

Denomination: Five cents

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel

Silver fineness: None

Silver weight: 0.00 oz ASW

Weight: 5.00 g

Diameter: 21.2 mm

Thickness: 1.95 mm

Edge: Plain

Designer: Charles E. Barber

Design identification

1883–1912: Liberty Head "V" Nickel (Variety 2: "With Cents" on Reverse) history

1883–1912: Liberty Head "V" Nickel (Variety 2: "With Cents" on Reverse) adds CENTS beneath the reverse wreath after the first 1883 nickels were gold-plated and passed fraudulently as five-dollar pieces. The added denomination defines the standard V-nickel reverse.

Charles E. Barber’s design remained in production through 1912, with no regular 1913 issue. Date, mintmark on the final branch-mint coins, strike detail, and surface quality are key checks.