1883 5C Liberty Nickel With "CENTS" PCGS MS67

1883-1913 Liberty, With CENTS Type

Designed by:  Charles E. Barber

Issued Date: 1883-1913

Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel

Diameter: 21.2 mm.

Weight: 77.16 grains (5 grams)

Edge: Plain

Total Business Strike mintage: 596,535,965

Total Proof Strike mintage: 79,923

Following the introduction of the Liberty nickel without CENTS, the omission of this key word was realized, and the reverse design was modified to incorporate CENTS below the wreath.  The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, earlier in that space, was reduced in size and placed in an arc above the wreath.  This style was continued through the end of the series in 1912.  Coinage was continuous from 1883 onward.  Scarce early dates include 1885 (the key issue) and 1886.  In 1912, nickel five-cent pieces were struck at branch mints for the first time; at Denver and San Francisco.  Sometime after 1912, some dated 1912-dated Liberty Head nickels were struck.  The quantity was not recorded, but only five such pieces are known to collectors today.

The numismatist seeking an example for a type set will have no difficulty acquiring a common date, particularly in the 1900-1912 spans, in any grade desired from Good through AU.  Uncirculated pieces are scarcer, and superb Uncirculated pieces are quite elusive.  Many Liberty nickels show evidence of light striking on certain of the obverse stars and also on the reverse wreath, particularly in the lower porting at the left.  It may take some searching to find a sharply stuck example.  Proofs, which were made in fairly large quantities throughout the series, usually are sharply struck and can be obtained without difficulty, although uncleaned pieces often show light flecks due to moisture.