Liberty Nickel

The Liberty Nickel is often referred to as the "V Nickel" because of the prominent Roman numeral "V" on the reverse (back) side of the coin. The "V" represents the denomination of five cents. Initially, the coin only displayed the "V" surrounded by a laurel wreath, but the design was later modified to include the word "Cents" beneath the "V" to avoid confusion with higher-value gold coins.

The "1883 No Cents" Liberty Nickel is a unique variety within the series. In 1883, when the Liberty Nickel was introduced, the design lacked the word "Cents" on the reverse side. This led to concerns that the coin could be easily gold-plated and passed off as a five-dollar gold coin. To address this issue, the design was modified later that year to include the word "Cents" beneath the "V." The "1883 No Cents" variety is highly sought after by collectors due to its scarcity and historical significance.

Yes, there are several rare and valuable Liberty Nickel varieties. Apart from the "1883 No Cents" variety, which is highly prized, there are other notable varieties such as the 1913 Liberty Nickel. Only five specimens of the 1913 Liberty Nickel are known to exist, making it one of the most famous and valuable coins in American numismatics. Additionally, some Liberty Nickels may have different mint marks, such as those minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S mint mark), or New Orleans (O mint mark), which can affect their rarity and collectible value.