U.S. Liberty Head V Nickels (1883-1913)

Learn More About U.S. Liberty Head V Nickels (1883-1913)

The U.S. Liberty Head nickel is also referred to as the V nickel because of the large letter “V” on the coin’s reverse side, which is actually the Roman numeral five. It was designed by U.S. Mint engraver Charles Barber in 1883 as an attempt to achieve a more uniform design with other American coins in circulation. The Liberty Head design vastly differed from that of the Shield Nickel that it replaced, but was struck in the same copper/nickel alloy combination. It features a left-facing head of Lady Liberty on the front, surrounded by 13 stars. On the coin’s opposite side, the Roman numeral “V” is centered in wreath with corn ears. The Latin motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which means “out of many, one” is engraved at the top to symbolize the 13 colonies forming one nation. 

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