Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ Coin Resource Center includes entries on Proof coinage for a number of U.S. series. This week we’ll look at the distinctive inaugural issue of Proof Liberty Head nickels, the 1883 No CENTS.
U.S. numismatists are familiar with the changing reverse of the 1883 Liberty Head nickel. It was initially introduced without “CENTS” below the wreath on the reverse under the denomination, rendered as a large Roman Numeral V. This first type was targeted by counterfeiters who plated the coins with gold and passed them off as $5 gold pieces. The Mint responded to this situation partway through 1883, adding CENTS below the wreath and moving the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM above the denomination and upper parts of the wreath.
Proofs of both the No CENTS and With CENTS nickels were produced, 5,219 and 6,783 respectively. 1883 No CENTS is the second-most common Proof Liberty Head nickel; only the 1883 With CENTS has a higher Proof mintage.
Like other CRC entries, this entry includes a brief history of the date and type and a discussion of its rarity and collectability. Links to recent auction appearances and high-quality images are included.
The CRC has entries on all Proof Liberty Head nickels.
The CRC is an evolving database and we welcome edits from knowledgeable readers.
