Expert: Joe Hylas - 9/20/2006

Question
I was getting change back from the vending machine and I received a dull silver coin that looks something like a nickle. On the head side of the coin it has which looks like woman with a crown on and around her starting at the front of her neck all the way around the coin and stops at the back of her neck are stars. At the bottom of the head side is the date of 1912. On the tail side of the coin there is the "United State of America" word wriiten around the edge of the coin and within that is something that looks as if something a greek God would where with a "V" inside of it. At the bottom of the coin is the word "cents" Is there any possible way you could tell me the value or what it would be about and if it has any value still to it? Thank you, Everett

Answer
Hi Everett,

Liberty Nickels were officially minted from 1883 to 1912.  You never see those in circulation anymore! The "V" is the Roman numeral for 5.
In used condition, they aren't that valuable.  Looking at the head of Liberty, she is wearing a crown.  If you can see the crown, written on it is the word "LIBERTY".  Chances are that it is worn away after years of circulation.
With that worn away, your coin is only worth about 60 cents.  If you could read "LIBERTY", then it would be worth a few dollars, but nothing to truly get excited about.
However, that's a great find!
Regards
Joe Hylas