Numismatic

1883 Liberty Head V Nickel No Cents MS-65 PCGS

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In 1883, the United States introduced a new design for its five-cent piece, creating a coin that would quickly become one of the most talked-about issues in American numismatic history. This particular specimen is preserved in an exceptional state of preservation, graded Mint State 65 (MS-65), which showcases the original details of the design just as they left the Philadelphia Mint. The obverse of the coin presents a classic profile of Lady Liberty. She faces left, her hair styled elegantly and secured by a coronet inscribed with Liberty, while a delicate wreath of cotton and wheat is woven into her hair. The year 1883 is struck boldly below the bust. Surrounding her image are thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. On the reverse, the coin features a large Roman numeral V at the center, which serves as the denomination indicator for five cents. This numeral is encircled by a detailed wreath of wheat, cotton, and corn. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA curve around the top border, while the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is positioned at the bottom. Notably, this initial 1883 release does not include the word CENTS anywhere on the design, a unique feature that defines this famous first-year variety.