Olevian Numismatic Rarities
1886 Liberty Nickel PCGS Certified PR66+
Product Description
The Liberty Head nickel was the second 5-cent coin to be struck in that metal, following the Shield nickels of 1866-1883. When introduced in January of 1883, the reverse featured a Roman numeral V to indicate the 5-cent denomination. The inclusion of the word “cents” was never considered necessary, as the three-cent piece had circulated uneventfully for years with only Roman numerals. It quickly became apparent, however, that the omission of “cents” was a serious issue, as many people began gold plating the new nickels and passing them as five-dollar gold pieces, which had a similar size.
A famous tale was that of Jeff Tatum, a deaf-mute who was said to enter a store, purchase an item valued at 5 cents or less, and pay with a gold-plated nickel. If the clerk did not notice, he would erroneously be given $4.95 in change. It is said that such was the origin of the expression “just Joshing you.”
Regardless, the U.S. Mint was particularly disturbed by the gold-plated nickels and ordered a design modification by June of 1883 to include the word cents. You will receive the unique coin shown in the photos housed in plush-lined box with a certificate of authenticity.
Product Details
- Measurements
4.5"L x 4.5"W x 1.5"H
- OriginUnited States
— Type: Liberty Nickel (1883-1913)
— Designer: Charles E. Barber
— Weight: 5.00 grams
— Diameter: 21.2 mm
— Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
— Obverse Design: Lady Liberty, facing left, with coronet, cotton, and wheat / 13 stars
— Obverse Inscription: DATE
— Reverse Design: Wreath of cotton, wheat, and corn
— Reverse Inscription: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / V CENTS
— Includes Plush-Lined Box & Certificate of Authenticity
Please Note: You will receive the exact item(s) shown in the photos.
A Note About Coin Grading & Certification:
This is a certified coin and its quality and authenticity are guaranteed. The condition of a coin is officially graded on a 70-point scale according to standards set forth by the American Numismatic Association. Grades under 60 represent circulated grades, while grades from 60 through 70 represent uncirculated, or “mint-state” grades. Very few, if any, older coins are known to exist in perfect MS70 grade. The prefix PR further distinguishes the coin as having been carefully prepared as a proof, typically exhibiting sharper detail due to slower speed and higher pressure at strike.
Shipping Information
-
Shipping AvailabilityCanada, United States
-
Shipping PolicyStandard Ground Shipping
-
Ship In3-4 weeks ⓘ
-
Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
Size Chart
.