1902 Liberty Head 'V' Nickel
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
Early 1900s (1902)
Material
75% Copper, 25% Nickel (Cupro-nickel alloy)
Condition
Good (G) to Very Good (VG). There is significant wear on Lady Liberty's hair and the word 'LIBERTY' on the crown is only partially visible/faded. Peripheral stars remain distinct but the field shows minor environmental spotting.
Demand Level
Moderate. Very common among numismatists; mostly purchased by beginner collectors for type sets.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $1.50 | Mid: $3.00 | High: $6.00
Estimated Retail Value
$5.00 - $10.00 (Current numismatic retail price for this grade)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for 1902 V Nickels in circulated 'G/VG' condition typically range from $1.99 to $4.50 plus small shipping fees.
Description
A 1902 United States Liberty Head Nickel, commonly referred to as a 'V Nickel'. This coin features the left-facing profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a large Roman numeral V on the reverse (not pictured). 1902 was a high-mintage year with over 32 million struck, making it a common date for collectors.
Key Features
Century-old American coinage; popular design type for 'filler' spots in coin albums; high historical appeal despite high mintage.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct font styling for '1902' and star placement; authentic wear patterns consistent with cupro-nickel age. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Significant circulation wear; loss of detail in the 'Liberty' headband; dark tone spotting in the center field; flattened hair curls due to age and handling.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay, local coin shops, or specialized numismatic forums. High-volume sellers on eBay often bundle these in 'grab bags' or 'piles' to justify shipping costs.
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean this coin, as cleaning destroys numismatic value. Use high-resolution macro photography. Use keywords: 'V Nickel', 'Liberty Head', '1902', 'US Coinage'. Standard envelope shipping with tracking (eBay standard envelope) is best for low-value coins.