1883 Liberty Head V Nickel No Cents - AU
Add one of the most famous first-year U.S. nickel varieties to your collection with this 1883 Liberty Head “V” Nickel No Cents in About Uncirculated (AU) condition. Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, this historic five-cent piece represents the original design used when the Liberty Head Nickel series debuted in 1883.
Designed by Charles E. Barber, the obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by 13 stars with the date 1883 below. The reverse prominently displays the Roman numeral V, representing the five-cent denomination, surrounded by an agricultural wreath.
The original 1883 design was famously issued without the word “CENTS” on the reverse. Because the denomination was represented only by the Roman numeral V, some pieces were reportedly gold-plated and passed as five-dollar gold coins, becoming associated with the famous “Racketeer Nickel” story. The Mint modified the design later in 1883 by adding CENTS beneath the wreath, creating the collectible No Cents and With Cents varieties.
In About Uncirculated (AU) condition, this example retains excellent overall design detail with only slight traces of circulation wear on the highest points. Much of the original surface detail and potentially significant mint luster remain, giving the coin strong eye appeal just below the Mint State range.
With its first-year status, famous No Cents design, historical story, and high-grade circulated condition, the 1883 Liberty Head “V” Nickel No Cents is an excellent addition to a U.S. type set, Liberty Nickel collection, or collection of historic American coinage.
Photo Disclaimer: The image shown is a representative stock photo. You will receive an 1883 Liberty Head “V” Nickel No Cents – About Uncirculated (AU), but it may not be the exact coin pictured. Each coin will vary in toning, luster, strike quality, surface marks, slight wear, and overall appearance while remaining consistent with the stated grade.
