1898 Liberty Head Nickel — PCGS AU-58 | About Uncirculated | V Nickel | Charles Barber Design

1898 Liberty Head Nickel — PCGS Certified AU-58 | About Uncirculated | V Nickel | Charles Barber Design

A near-mint example of the 1898 Liberty Head Nickel, independently certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and graded AU-58 (About Uncirculated) — the highest About Uncirculated grade and just a hair below full mint state. The coin retains nearly complete original mint lustre with only the slightest trace of highpoint wear, a sharply struck Liberty portrait, and a bold Roman numeral V reverse. An attractive, problem-free example of this classic late 19th century American coin with excellent eye appeal.

Certification Details

• Country: United States
• Year: 1898
• Denomination: 5 Cents
• Grade: AU-58 (About Uncirculated)
• Certification No.: 3859.58/47499515
• Certifying Body: PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)

Coin Specifications

• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
• Diameter: 21.2 mm
• Weight: 5.00 g
• Edge: Plain
• Designer: Charles E. Barber (obverse and reverse)
• Mint: Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark)

Design: The Liberty Head “V Nickel”

The Liberty Head Nickel — popularly known as the “V Nickel” for the large Roman numeral on the reverse — was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber and struck from 1883 through 1912. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, with E PLURIBUS UNUM arching above and thirteen stars surrounding, with the date at the bottom. The reverse displays the large Roman numeral V within a wreath of corn, cotton, wheat, and tobacco, inscribed UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and CENTS.

The “CENTS” inscription on the reverse has a notable history: when the Liberty Head Nickel was first introduced in 1883, the reverse read only “V” without the word “CENTS.” Unscrupulous individuals quickly gold-plated the coins and passed them as five-dollar gold pieces — since the V nickel and the $5 Half Eagle were similar in size. The Mint promptly added “CENTS” to the reverse later in 1883, producing the two major varieties of the first-year issue. All subsequent Liberty Head Nickels from 1884 onward, including this 1898, bear the “CENTS” reverse as standard.

Historical Context

Struck in Philadelphia in 1898, this coin was produced during the final years of the Victorian era in America. President William McKinley was in office. The Spanish-American War broke out just months later in 1898. The United States was on the cusp of emerging as a global power, and five-cent pieces like this one were the everyday currency of American commerce — used at general stores, saloons, and newsstands across the country. Nearly 130 years later, this example survives in AU-58 condition with lustre nearly intact, a remarkable survivor of daily American life.

Why This Coin Belongs in Your Collection

The Liberty Head Nickel is one of the classic American coin types of the late 19th century, and an AU-58 example — borderline mint state with nearly full lustre — represents exceptional quality for a coin nearly 130 years old. Whether you are building a type collection of 19th century American coins, collecting the Liberty Head Nickel series by date, or simply seeking an attractive and historically rich piece of American numismatic history, this PCGS AU-58 example is an outstanding choice.

Encapsulated in an original PCGS sealed holder. Tampering with the holder invalidates the certification opinion. Have holder replaced if inner package/seal is not intact.

The PCGS-certified coin shown is the exact coin you will receive. Guaranteed authentic.