Liberty V Nickels: The Easiest Set to Complete
For Date-Set collectors, I find that Liberty V Nickels are cheap and easy to assemble an almost complete set. It does get expensive to assemble a complete set.
There are only two years in which you need more than one coin: 1883 and 1912. In 1883, as everyone knows, the coin was mistakenly minted with a 'V' but yet no 'CENTS.' Also as we know, these were gold plated and passed as $5 'Racketeer' Nickels. Only five million were struck when the word 'CENTS' was added. Another 16 million were minted of the new variety. Strangely enough however, the oldest, and one of the rarer nickels is more common in mint state than any other date. Also, in 1912, the first nickels were struck at Denver and San Francisco; the Denver coins had 8,474,000, and are worth $5 in average circulated condition. San Francisco, however, minted a mere 238,000, the rarest legal striking by nearly a million. These coins are worth $200 in average circulated condition.
Shield Nickels require a mere 20 coins to complete a set, but costs thousands. Buffalo Nickels require a touch over 60 coins. Jeffersons require a couple hundred if you want every single coin. Liberty V Nickels have 33 coins, 30 of which are easy to get. Besides the 1912-S (and 1913), all 20th century V Nickels would cost $2-4 in low grades. 1890's average about $6 in G-4 and $20 F-12, and 1880's are about $15 common dates, with $275 and $550 for the 1886 and 1885, respectively.
There are NO major varieties EXCEPT for the 1883 No CENTS and With CENTS varieties. That way, you need 33 coins for 30 different years. If you are a zillionaire of gajillianaire, you may want a 1913 for a half-zillion or thirty jillion dollars.
Also, there is a variety of values. The 1900's coins average $1.75, with a couple $17 and $28 coins, and three keys worth $175, $275, and $550.
I conclusion, I recommend V Nickels to those who want to have an easy assembly or want a complete set with a minimal amount of coins.
Comments
Mike
Level 7
I forgot to tell you it's my favorite collection. I bought them years ago. They were around and in great shape. I don't know why I forgot to get the 1885. Very rare and hard to get. Very expensive. There not in great shape now the 1885. But my set is AU. And MS. I won't put a slab of metal with a date in my set. The hunt is on in will find one with detail. Thank you.
Mike
Level 7
You are correct. You can complete that set if you have the money for the two coins from 1912 the D&S mint. They key dates with the lowest mintage. If the top of my head I don't have my book with me the 1885&1886. I'm not sure but around it. Those two coins cost alot of money in good condition. My collection I took my time saved and bought the best my money could buy. I'm still saving for the two key low mintage dates. I want them in the same condition as the rest of my set. That's the fun of the hobby putting a set together. When it's complete a nice smile comes on your face. You have accomplished something. Thank you.
user_7180
Level 5
Thanks for sharing.
user_8191
Level 3
The Liberty Nickel series is one of my favorites. I am an 1885 from completion. Hope to have it by summers end. The Liberty Nickels don't seem to have the following of many coins so the prices to get them are very modest for most dates. It is a beautiful coin in mint state grades.
CMCC
Level 5
I meant whole-heartily!
CMCC
Level 5
I whole-hardheartedly agree!
user_6683
Level 4
Thanks for the information was hoping to get some since I do not yet.
Dollar Guy
Level 5
I only have a few these were handed down to me by my maternal grandmother. These were the dates they were born. Also almost all the coins that I have from the 19th Century are for dates of relatives births. My next endeavor in coinage will be to get a complete set of half dollars for each of my relatives birthyear in my research i found it was the only denomination issued for every year someonein my family was born.
BossX
Level 5
I also am trying to get a full set.
CMCC
Level 5
I want an 1884, but I won't have an 1885, 1886, or 1912-S anytime soon.
Mr. Wheatie
Level 5
I haven't even considered collecting them as a set until recently. I have been focused on the Lincoln cent collection since I was 13. I'm going to be bringing that collection to a close in the next year and a half. Then I can turn my attention elsewhere.
LNCS
Level 5
My favorite series. I am doing a full variety collection. There are well over 100 different coins to collect for this set.
CMCC
Level 5
Although those are extremely minor varieties, right?
user_9073
Level 5
This was the very first series that I completed. I would bet that is true for many U.S. collectors.