Expert: PAPAJACK - 2/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: We are renovating an old house next door.  My husband found this coin.  It has a ladies head on the front and 13 stars around it.  It is dated 1904.  On the back it has a V in the center and leaves wreathed around it. And it also has the word "cents" on the bottom.  Can you please tell me more about this coin?

ANSWER: Hello Robin,          

The Liberty Head nickel designed by Barber was made from 1883 to 1912.

They have a large range of values. The value depends not only on the date but more so the state of preservation.

If you tell me the date and how much detail there is on the coin I can give you a range of value they are sold for in circulated condition.

To help grade your piece look closely at the headband on Lady Liberty, are there any letters visible on it?
For coins showing three or more letters the value will be go up.

You must have at least 3 letters of the word LIBERTY showing in the headband for a grade of 4 on the coin.

Grade-12= LIBERTY worn but all letters seen

Grade-20= only a slight but even wear on LIBERTY

Grade-40) = All letters in LIBERTY sharp other details sharp as well.

V Nickels dated 1900 and after are worth less than $2.00 in low grade and up to $25 in Extremely Fine to Almost Un-circulated grade.

Seeing the coin in person is best. I can give you some coin people in your area that would help for free if needed.  Write me back and let me know.

It was a common coin and none but the highest quality coin will make you much profit.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The coin we have found is worn...I do not see the Liberty on her headband.  Is this a silver coin?  I will just send it to my son.  He likes old coins and will enjoy just having it.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello again Robin,          

This coin does not contain any silver. In a low grade it might sell fro a dollar.

The nickel in the USA has always been made from an alloy of 75% copper and 25% Nickel. That is how it got its name.  All other coins at the time were silver copper or gold. There was a silver coin called a HALF DIME prior to the Five Cent coin we now know as a Nickel.  

Thank you so much for the response and fee free to write me with any question on USA Coins.

Good Luck,   

PapaJack