Numismatic

1890 Liberty Head V Nickel AG

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Introduced in the late nineteenth century, the Liberty Head five-cent piece represents a classic era of United States coinage. This particular specimen from 1890, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, shows the honest wear of a coin that actively circulated through the hands of everyday Americans. Even in its heavily circulated, Almost Good condition, the fundamental artistry of the design remains visible, offering a tangible connection to the decade of the 1890s. The obverse of the coin displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty, styled with a coronet or crown upon her head. This depiction was created by Charles Barber, whose work defined much of the nation's circulating currency during this period. The year 1890 is stamped clearly at the bottom of the profile. On the reverse, the coin features the large Roman numeral V, which denotes its five-cent face value. This central numeral is encircled by a decorative wreath, which is in turn surrounded by the traditional national motto, E Pluribus Unum, and the country name, United States of America. Crafted from a copper-nickel alloy, this coin stands as a fascinating survivor of nineteenth-century commerce.