1901 Liberty Head Nickel Value Guide

The 1901 Liberty Head Nickel is a cornerstone of early 20th-century American coinage, often referred to as the 'V' nickel due to the prominent Roman numeral on the reverse. With a high mintage of over 26 million, it serves as an accessible and popular entry-level piece for numismatists building a type set.

What affects the value of 1901 Liberty Head Nickel?

• Condition and wear, particularly the visibility of the word 'LIBERTY' in the crown's headband.
• Presence of original mint luster, which significantly increases value beyond the $3.00 base price.
• Surface marks, scratches, or signs of cleaning that can detract from the coin's eye appeal.
• Overall strike sharpness, especially on the stars and the details of the reverse wreath.

How to Identify 1901 Liberty Head Nickel?

• Look for the profile of Lady Liberty facing left, surrounded by 13 stars on the obverse.
• Verify the date '1901' is clearly struck at the bottom center of the coin's front.
• Check the reverse for a large Roman numeral 'V' encircled by a wreath of corn, wheat, and cotton.
• Confirm the composition is a standard cupro-nickel mix of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

History of 1901 Liberty Head Nickel

Designed by Charles E. Barber, the Liberty Head nickel, often called the V nickel due to the Roman numeral on its reverse, was minted from 1883 to 1912. The 1901 issue is a common date with a high mintage of over 26 million, making it a popular entry-level collectible for numismatists.