Numismatic

1898 Liberty Head V Nickel MS-64 PCGS

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In 1898, the Philadelphia Mint produced more than 16 million five-cent pieces featuring the elegant Liberty Head design. This particular specimen survives in an exceptional state of preservation, certified as Mint State 64. The coin represents a fascinating era in United States coinage, showcasing the artistic transition of the late nineteenth century. The obverse of this nickel presents a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty. She wears a coronet inscribed with the word LIBERTY, adorned with a delicate wreath of wheat and cotton. Thirteen stars encircle her portrait, representing the original colonies, with the date 1898 positioned at the bottom of the design. On the reverse, a large Roman numeral V represents the five-cent denomination. A wreath of wheat, corn, and cotton surrounds the central numeral, symbolizing agricultural abundance. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches above the wreath, while the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is placed below, completing a classic design created by Charles Barber.