Numismatic

1886 Liberty Head V Nickel AG

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The 1886 Liberty Head five-cent piece represents one of the most significant and elusive dates in its entire series. Minted in Philadelphia, this coin contains no precious metal, composed instead of base metal, yet its scarcity makes it a major point of interest for those studying late nineteenth-century American coinage. On the obverse, the design by Charles Barber showcases a left-facing portrait of Liberty. She wears a coronet inscribed with her name, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date 1886 positioned at the bottom. The reverse features a large Roman numeral V to denote the five-cent denomination, framed by a wreath. The motto E Pluribus Unum is placed at the top, while the legend United States of America wraps around the lower border. This particular specimen is in Almost Good condition, showing honest wear from its time in circulation over a century ago. Because of its low survival rate in any condition, finding an example from this specific year is a notable highlight for anyone exploring the Liberty Head series.