Liberty Head 'V' Nickel Value: Key Dates and the Racketeer Nickel
Most Liberty Head 'V' nickels are worth only a few dollars — they contain no silver — but the series includes one of the most famous coins in the world and a great American coin scam. Struck from 1883 to 1913, the V nickel takes its nickname from the Roman numeral V (five) on the reverse. This guide covers what the everyday coins are worth, the story of the 1883 'Racketeer nickel,' the genuine key dates, and the legendary 1913.
Key takeaways
- Liberty Head 'V' nickels (1883–1913) are copper-nickel with no silver; most are worth a few dollars.
- The first 1883 coins had no 'CENTS,' which led to the famous 'Racketeer nickel' gold-plating scam.
- Key dates include the 1885, 1886, and the low-mintage 1912-S.
- The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is a legendary rarity, with only five known, worth millions.
- Because famous V nickels are faked, valuable examples should be authenticated.
How much is a Liberty Head V nickel worth?
Most are worth a few dollars. Liberty Head nickels are copper-nickel with no precious metal, so their value is purely collectible, and common dates in worn condition trade for a small premium as old type coins.
Scarcer dates and higher grades are worth more, and a few famous coins are worth far, far more — covered below.
What is the V nickel?
The Liberty Head nickel shows a Liberty head on the obverse and a large Roman numeral V — for five cents — within a wreath on the reverse, which is where the 'V nickel' nickname comes from. It was struck from 1883 to 1913 and preceded the Buffalo nickel.
For the design that followed it, see our buffalo nickel value guide; for the modern five-cent coin, see Jefferson nickel value.
What is the 1883 'Racketeer nickel'?
The first 1883 V nickels did not include the word 'CENTS' — the reverse simply showed the large V. Because the coin was close in size to a five-dollar gold piece, some were gold-plated and passed off as $5 coins, a scam that gave rise to the 'Racketeer nickel' nickname.
The Mint quickly added 'CENTS' to the reverse later in 1883. Both the 1883 'No Cents' and 1883 'With Cents' types are collected, and the No Cents coins were hoarded, so they remain affordable today despite the famous story.
What are the key dates?
The genuine key dates are the 1885 and 1886 (both low mintage) and the 1912-S, the first and only nickel struck at San Francisco and the series key. These bring strong premiums even in worn grades.
Most other dates are affordable. The mint mark, when present, sits on the reverse to the left of 'CENTS' — see what is a mint mark.
| Coin | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 1883 'No Cents' | First type; the Racketeer nickel; affordable |
| 1885 | Low-mintage key date |
| 1886 | Scarce semi-key |
| 1912-S | Series key; only S-mint V nickel |
| 1913 | Legendary rarity; five known |
What is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most famous coins in the world. Only five are known to exist, struck under mysterious circumstances after the design had officially been replaced by the Buffalo nickel, and individual examples have sold for millions of dollars.
You will not find one in pocket change, but its fame drives enormous interest in the series. Any claimed example would be enormously scrutinized and authenticated.
Where should you sell V nickels?
Common V nickels can be sold to an established coin shop; expect a few dollars for typical coins. For the 1885, 1886, 1912-S, and high grades, a rare coin dealer may pay a strong premium.
Because famous dates are faked, have anything potentially valuable authenticated — see how to spot fake coins and which grading companies to trust.
Frequently asked questions
Are Liberty Head V nickels silver?+
No. They are copper-nickel with no silver, so their value is purely collectible. Most common dates are worth a few dollars.
What is a Racketeer nickel?+
It is an 1883 'No Cents' V nickel that was gold-plated and passed off as a five-dollar gold coin, because the reverse showed only a large V without the word 'CENTS.' The Mint added 'CENTS' later that year.
What is the key date V nickel?+
The 1912-S is the series key — the only Liberty Head nickel struck at San Francisco. The 1885 and 1886 are also valuable low-mintage dates.
How much is a 1913 Liberty Head nickel worth?+
It is a legendary rarity with only five known, and examples have sold for millions of dollars. It is not a coin found in circulation.