Numismatic

1894 Liberty Head V Nickel VF

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The 1894 Liberty Head nickel offers a fascinating glimpse into late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this five-cent piece is composed of a copper-nickel alloy rather than precious metal, yet its artistic execution rivals the gold and silver denominations of its era. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, showing a pleasing amount of detail despite spending time in circulation. Designed by Charles Barber, the obverse features a classic representation of Liberty facing left. She wears a coronet inscribed with the word LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date 1894 positioned at the bottom. The design reflects the formal, neoclassical aesthetic that dominated United States coinage during the Gilded Age. The reverse of the coin is dominated by a large Roman numeral V, representing the five-cent denomination. This central symbol is encircled by a wreath of agricultural products, including ears of wheat, cotton, and corn. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches along the top rim, while the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is nestled below the wreath, and the word CENTS anchors the bottom of the design.