Original U.S. Coinage | Liberty Head Nickel Series (1883–1913) | Philadelphia Mint | Circulated Historical Collectible
Offered for sale is a 1909 United States Liberty Head Nickel, commonly known as the V Nickel, featuring the classical Liberty portrait designed by Charles E. Barber.
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this five-cent coin represents an important period of American monetary history during the early twentieth century.
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed "LIBERTY," surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original American colonies. The date 1909 is clearly visible beneath the portrait.
The reverse features an agricultural wreath surrounding a large Roman numeral V, representing the denomination of five cents. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "CENTS" surround the design.
This particular example exhibits extensive circulation wear, substantial surface spotting, dark discoloration, and numerous small pits or depressions visible on both sides.
The photographs depict the actual coin offered for sale.
Historical Background
The Liberty Head Nickel was introduced in 1883, replacing the Shield Nickel, and remained in circulation until the Buffalo Nickel replaced it in 1913.
Designed by Charles E. Barber, the series was widely used throughout a period of American industrial expansion and economic development.
In 1909, William Howard Taft became President of the United States, and the country continued its transition into a modern industrial economy.
The 1909 Liberty Head Nickel was produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, with a reported original mintage of 11,585,763 coins.
Unlike later twentieth-century nickels, this issue contains no silver and was manufactured using a copper-nickel alloy.
Design Features
Obverse – Front
Left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty.
Coronet bearing the word "LIBERTY."
Thirteen surrounding stars representing the original colonies.
Date "1909" beneath the portrait.
Beaded border surrounding the design.
Original artwork by Charles E. Barber.
Reverse – Back
Large Roman numeral V representing five cents.
Agricultural wreath with ribbon at the base.
Inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
Denomination "CENTS" along the lower edge.
Motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" within the upper design.
Decorative beaded border.
