1904 Liberty Head V Nickel Value Guide

The 1904 Liberty Head V Nickel is a classic piece of American numismatic history designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. This specific year is highly collectible for its connection to the 'Racketeer Nickel' legacy and its iconic Roman numeral reverse design.

What Is 1904 Liberty Head V Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1904 Liberty Head V Nickel is $2 - $3 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Surface preservation and the visibility of the word 'LIBERTY' in the hair coronet significantly impact the $2.00-$3.00 price range.
• The presence of original mint luster can elevate a specimen's value above the common circulated average.
• The clarity of the corn and wheat ears within the reverse wreath serves as a primary indicator of the coin's grade.
• Overall strike quality, particularly on the star centers and Liberty's hair curls, dictates final market desirability.

How to Identify 1904 Liberty Head V Nickel?

• Verify the presence of the large Roman numeral 'V' centered on the reverse side within a laurel wreath.
• Check for the word 'CENTS' at the bottom of the reverse, which was added to the design following the 1883 scandal.
• Examine the obverse for Lady Liberty facing left, surrounded by 13 stars and the 1904 date at the base.
• Confirm the metallic composition is a standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy.

History of 1904 Liberty Head V Nickel

Designed by Charles E. Barber, the Liberty Head nickel was minted from 1883 to 1912. It is famously known as the 'V Nickel' due to the large Roman numeral on the reverse. In its first year, the word 'CENTS' was omitted, leading to the 'Racketeer Nickel' scandal where people gold-plated them to pass them off as five-dollar gold pieces.