Original U.S. Coinage | Liberty Head Nickel Series (1883–1913) | Circulated Condition | Historical Collectible
Offered for sale is a 1906 United States Liberty Head Nickel, commonly referred to as the V Nickel, an original-design five-cent coin from the early twentieth century.
Designed by Charles E. Barber, the Liberty Head Nickel circulated during a period of significant American industrial growth and was issued from 1883 through 1913.
This example bears the clearly visible date 1906 and features the classical portrait of Lady Liberty surrounded by thirteen stars on the obverse. The reverse displays the Roman numeral V, representing the coin's five-cent denomination, surrounded by an agricultural wreath.
The coin exhibits substantial circulation wear, darkened surfaces, and age-related discoloration consistent with its appearance in the accompanying photographs.
The photographs show the actual coin offered for sale.
Historical Background
The Liberty Head Nickel was introduced in 1883, replacing the Shield Nickel.
Its design was created by Charles E. Barber, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint.
The original 1883 issue did not include the word "CENTS" on the reverse, leading to concerns that gold-plated examples could be passed off as five-dollar gold pieces. The denomination was subsequently clarified by adding "CENTS" beneath the Roman numeral V.
By 1906, the revised design had been in circulation for more than two decades.
The Liberty Head Nickel remained a familiar part of American commerce until its replacement by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913.
Design Features
Obverse – Front
Left-facing classical portrait of Lady Liberty.
Thirteen stars representing the original American colonies.
The word "LIBERTY" appears on Liberty's coronet, although it is heavily worn on this example.
Date "1906" beneath the portrait.
Original design by Charles E. Barber.
Reverse – Back
Large Roman numeral "V" representing five cents.
Agricultural wreath surrounding the denomination.
Bow and ribbon at the base of the wreath.
"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the outer border.
"E PLURIBUS UNUM" above the central design.
"CENTS" beneath the wreath.
