The 1895 V nickel is a rare and valuable coin, but its value can vary depending on its condition and authenticity. In mint condition, a 1895 V nickel can fetch a price of up to $100,000.
The coin's rarity is due in part to the fact that only 24 were produced, making it highly sought after by collectors. The "V" in the coin's designation refers to the Philadelphia mint.
The value of a 1895 V nickel can also be influenced by its grade, with higher grades commanding higher prices. A coin in good condition can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
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Value is Conditional
To determine the value of your 1895 V Nickel, you need to closely examine the coin and its details. The condition of the coin plays a significant role in its value. If the stars around the coin's outer edge are eroded or hard to make out, it's likely in good condition. The stars' texture is a good starting point to gauge the coin's condition.
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A coin with good texture and minimal wear on the stars may be graded fine. On the other hand, if the stars are crisp and clear with no signs of erosion, your coin may be in extremely fine condition. The date and "V" on the coin should also be examined in a similar fashion to the stars.
The value of V nickels is affordable, and their rarity can increase their value over time. However, the condition of the coin is what ultimately determines its worth. A coin that's been well-preserved and has minimal wear can be worth more than one that's been circulated and has signs of wear.
Mint and Variety
The Liberty Head nickel was produced by three different mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. To identify the mint, look for a mint mark on the reverse of the coin, located on the lower right side.
The Philadelphia mint produced coins every year of the Liberty nickel series, but they did not mark their production with a mint mark. This makes it a bit tricky to identify Philadelphia mint coins, but there is a special case for the 1912 date.
On the reverse of the 1912 Philadelphia mint coins, you'll find a small dot along the rim, just above the "C" in Cents. If the area between the dot and the rim is clear, it's a Philadelphia mint coin.
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Mint Marks
Mint Marks are an essential aspect of identifying coins, and they're relatively easy to spot once you know where to look. To find the mint mark on a Liberty Head nickel, simply look on the reverse of the coin on the lower right side.
The Philadelphia mint produced coins without a mint mark, making them a bit tricky to identify. The Denver mint, on the other hand, stamped its coins with a "D" on the lower right side.
The San Francisco mint is another story, as it stamped its coins with an "S" on the lower right side. If you're unsure which mint produced your coin, take a closer look at the reverse side.
Philadelphia Mint Variety
The Philadelphia Mint Variety is a significant aspect of coin collecting, and it's essential to understand how to identify them.
One notable fact about Philadelphia Mint coins is that they did not have a mint mark.
The 1912 Liberty nickel is a special case, as it was produced by three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
To identify a Philadelphia Mint coin, check the reverse side, just above the "C" in Cents. Look for a small dot along the rim.
If the area between the dot and the rim is clear, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
Variety 2: 1883-1913
The Liberty Nickel series had a significant redesign in 1883 with the introduction of Variety 2. This variety features Liberty's portrait surrounded by stars on the obverse.
The reverse of the nickel was redesigned to place the motto "E Pluribus Unum" above the wreath. Adding "Cents" below the wreath was crucial to clarify the denomination.
Collectors seek the 1883 "with cents" reverse nickels as a first of design year, making them a valuable addition to any collection. Demand for these coins is steady, resulting in solid value.
The Obverse
The obverse of a coin is the front side, and it's where you'll find the main design. Charles Barber, the Mint's Chief Engraver from 1879 to 1917, designed the obverse of the V nickel.
His design features a classical representation of Lady Liberty in profile, facing to the left as the coin is viewed. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the diadem worn by the goddess.
The obverse is ringed with stars, representing the states, and the date is at the bottom, curving parallel to the lower coin edge.
Grading and Pricing
Grading a coin is not an exact science, and opinions on a coin's grade can vary between collectors and dealers. You form an opinion of a coin's grade by comparing it to a standard grade image.
A few key dates, like the 1885 and 1886 Liberty Head Nickels, are extremely rare and valuable. The 1885 Liberty Head Nickel, for example, can sell for up to $3,400 in uncirculated condition.
The table below shows the buy and sell values for Liberty Head Nickels in different grades. The prices listed are approximate retail prices and wholesale values.
Extremely Fine Grade
The Extremely Fine Grade is a significant milestone in the world of coin grading. It's characterized by wear that's light across the surface, with a small amount of flatness evident.
A well-defined Extremely Fine grade coin will show localized and disconnected flattening that helps define the grade. This is particularly noticeable in the areas where the metal is thin.
The obverse of an Extremely Fine grade coin features bold and complete lettering in the coronet, with all letters showing and the coronet defined by a bold upper and lower line inside the edge.
Above the coronet, wheat grains, cotton bolls, and leaves are all bold and distinct, with minor flattening that doesn't blend one element into another.
The forehead is completely separated from the hairline, and strands of hair remain visible above the forehead and towards Liberty's ear.
Liberty's cheek shows a small flatness under her eye, which is a common trait of Extremely Fine grade coins.
On the reverse, a well-defined wreath remains, defining the Extremely Fine grade. Small details, such as the ear of corn with visible kernels just right of the bow, are bold and defined.
High points are just beginning to flatten on the leaves of cotton further up the right side of the wreath, but each leaf is still defined and separated.
Here's a summary of the key features of an Extremely Fine grade coin:
- Light wear across the surface
- Localized and disconnected flattening
- Bold and complete lettering in the coronet
- Distinct wheat grains, cotton bolls, and leaves
- Forehead completely separated from hairline
- Well-defined wreath on the reverse
- Small details bold and defined
Grading
Grading is a crucial step in determining the value of a Liberty Nickel. The grade of a coin refers to its condition, with higher grades indicating a more pristine state.
The Fine Grade, for example, features heavy wear that has reduced most of the smaller details, but the letters of "Liberty" are still visible in the coronet. This is a defining characteristic of a Fine grade coin.
To determine the grade of a Liberty Nickel, look for specific features such as the visibility of the letters in the coronet and the presence of faded areas. The Good Grade, on the other hand, is defined by heavy wear that reduces all design elements to flat outlines.
Here's a breakdown of the different grades of Liberty Nickels:
Understanding the grade of a Liberty Nickel is essential for determining its value. By examining the coin's condition and looking for specific features, you can accurately determine its grade and price it accordingly.
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