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The end of the century usually brings a sense of nostalgia: nations reflect on what they have achieved and what is yet to come. The first areas to respond to such a tendency are art, including the one that comes down to the sphere of numismatics. The American coinage has always been vivid and bright, especially during the turn of the eras, and let our today's example illustrate this phenomenon in the most productive way.
The 1899 Liberty Head nickel is one more 5-cent piece that manifests the artistic and cultural currents of its period, let alone the spirit of a nation at the close of the 19th century. But which features identify this coin as so special? What is the current 1899 nickel value, and what does it look like when in its prime?
Historical Context: When Did the 1899 Nickels Appear?
The 1899 nickel with V on the back is a classic example of the Liberty Head series, which was minted during a transitional period, when the United States was moving from a post-Civil War economy into the rapid industrialization of the 20th century. In fact, this type replaced the Shield nickel design in 1883, and by 1899, it had turned into a widely recognized and circulated coin, known worldwide.
By the way, the early years of the Liberty Head series were not devoid of controversy. Shortly after its release, criminals discovered that the new nickel, lacking the word “CENTS,” could be deceptively altered to resemble a five-dollar gold piece. Some even added a reeded edge to complete the illusion. Soon after the first malevolent occasion, Charles E. Barber corrected the design and added the word “CENTS” to the reverse. The official look was finally born then.
Related article: No Cents, Great Worth: 1883 Liberty Head Nickel Value Guide
Design Features and Specifications
Obverse: The obverse side features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty, wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY”, surrounded by thirteen stars of the original thirteen American colonies and the year “1899” located at the bottom.
Reverse: The reverse side, on its part, demonstrates a large Roman numeral “V”, surrounded by a wreath composed of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco leaves, the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” just above the wreath, and the word "CENTS" at the bottom.
The Main Features of the 1899 US nickel | |
Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
Weight | 5.0 grams |
Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Thickness | 1.95 mm |
Edge | Plain |
Mint Marks | None for Philadelphia |
Years Minted | 1883–1913 |
1899 Liberty Nickel Types by Mint
1899 5C
Produced by: Philadelphia Mint
Mintage: 26,027,000
Auction Record: $38,188 for MS67+
The 1899 Liberty Head V nickel was quite abundant, for the production of this very variety was extremely fruitful (and profitable, not to mention). As per Ron Guth from PCGS, well-struck pieces are rather plentiful, though some examples exhibit weakly defined stars. All in all, high-grade coins are exceptionally rare, especially when found in MS67+ grades.
1899 5C Proof
Produced by: Philadelphia Mint
Mintage: 2,031
Auction Record: $10,869 for PR68
Unlike the general-circulation version, the proof variety was minted in limited numbers and features the exceptional mirror-like finish and sharp design details intended for collectors only. This, however, created a dilemma: the more coins are initially preserved, the less they are worth over time. This is what happened to the 1899 Liberty V nickel.
How Much Is a 1899 Nickel Worth?
The 1899 Liberty Head nickel value is generally composed of several factors that inevitably shape the way the coin is sold on the numismatic market. Condition, rarity, and minting type together play their roles in determining the 1899 V nickel worth. This, however, cannot be static, for prices fluctuate, and the more pristine and well-preserved a coin is, the greater the price collectors are willing to pay.
Type | Grade | Value (USD) |
1899 5C (Regular) | Good (G-4) | $3 – $5 |
Very Fine (VF-20) | $10 – $15 | |
Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $20 – $30 | |
About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $35 – $50 | |
Mint State (MS-60) | $75 – $120 | |
MS-65 | $500 – $700 | |
MS-67+ | $38,000+ (record example) | |
1899 5C Proof | Proof-63 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
Proof-65 | $4,000 – $5,500 | |
Proof-68 | $10,000+ (record example) |
A Fine Bonus For Those Who Strive to Know the Price
Should you be eager to know the exact price of your coins, use Coin ID Scanner, an innovative app that helps one explore, identify, and manage collections in one place. Key features include :
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Coins of the past can be interesting to explore. Enjoy their heritage, and let it be passed on for new generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 1899 nickels were minted?
In 1899, the Philadelphia Mint produced 26,027,000 regular circulation 5C coins, while the proof version had a much smaller mintage of only 2,031 coins. Although these figures suggest that the regular strike should be less valuable, initially lack of preservation makes them rarer in terms of their grades.
What is the most valuable 1899 nickel variety?
The highest-recorded auction price for a 1899 5C piece was $38,188 for a Mint State 67+ (MS67+) specimen, sold on November 16, 2012, at Stack’s Bowers.
Should I get my 1899 nickel professionally graded?
Yes, indeed. Professional grading through reputable coin grading services like NGC or PCGS is essential, for it can certify the coin’s condition, authenticity, and strike quality, which is especially important for higher-grade examples.
How much is a typical circulated 1899 nickel worth?
A typical circulated 1899 5C piece generally ranges from $3 to $30, depending on its condition. Coins in Good (G-4) to Extremely Fine (EF-40) grades are common and widely available, while coins in About Uncirculated (AU-50) condition or higher may be worth thousands.
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