1903 Liberty Head Nickel // PCGS Certified MS64 // Wood Presentation Box

The Liberty Head Nickel is a vintage American coin minted from 1883 to 1913. Today, they are seldom seen in circulation but are cherished by coin collectors and enthusiasts of American history alike.

The Liberty Head nickel was the second 5-cent coin to be struck in that metal, following the Shield nickels of 1866-1883. When introduced in 1883, the reverse featured a Roman numeral V to indicate 5-cents. The inclusion of the word “cents” was not considered necessary, as the 3-cent piece had circulated uneventfully for years with only Roman numerals.

It quickly became apparent that the omission of “cents” was a serious issue, as people began gold plating the nickels and passing them as $5 gold pieces, which had a similar size. A famous tale was that of Jeff Tatum, a deaf-mute who was said to enter a store, purchase an item valued at 5 cents or less, and pay with a gold-plated nickel. If the clerk did not notice, he would be given $4.95 in change. It is said that such was the origin of the expression “just Joshing you!”

Regardless, the Mint was particularly disturbed and ordered a modification by June of 1883 to include the word cents. The Liberty nickel was produced in this fashion through 1913. Only 5 specimens are known to exist from 1913, making it one of the most famous and coveted rarities. Indeed, one of these coins sold for over $5 million dollars in 2007!

You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in a plush-lined box with a certificate of authenticity.