Numismatic

1898 Liberty Head V Nickel VF

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The 1898 Liberty Head five-cent piece offers a fascinating window into late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this base-metal coin contains no precious metal content, yet it remains a highly compelling piece of history due to its distinctive artistry. The coin is preserved in Very Fine condition, showing clear details of its classic engraving. On the obverse side, the profile of Liberty is depicted wearing a crown inscribed with her name. She is encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date 1898 positioned at the bottom. The design is the work of Charles Barber, whose creations defined the look of United States circulating currency during this era. The reverse of the coin is dominated by a large Roman numeral V, representing the five-cent denomination. This central symbol is framed by a wreath of agricultural products, including wheat, cotton, and corn. Surrounding this central design are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, completing a balanced and enduring piece of numismatic art.