1883 Liberty Head Nickel : In a story that sounds more like fiction than fact, a woman cleaning out her late grandmother’s attic in Pennsylvania stumbled across an old tin sewing kit filled with needles, thread, and what appeared to be an ordinary nickel. Upon closer inspection, the coin’s unusual luster and date—1883—caught her attention. After a quick online search raised suspicions about its rarity, she took it to a local coin dealer. What followed was a whirlwind of excitement that ended with an intense auction and a remarkable windfall.
A Coin With a Curious Past
The Liberty Head nickel, also known as the “V nickel” because of the Roman numeral “V” on its reverse side, was first minted in 1883. In its debut year, the coin sparked controversy due to the absence of the word “CENTS” on early designs, leading to counterfeiters gold-plating them and passing them off as $5 coins. This resulted in the U.S. Mint swiftly altering the design later that year to include “CENTS” beneath the “V.”
The nickel discovered in the sewing kit was one of the rare “No CENTS” versions—already prized among collectors. But what truly made this specimen exceptional was its near-mint condition and its proof-like quality, suggesting it may have been an early strike or part of a special presentation set.
A Collector’s Dream
The coin was authenticated and graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as MS-65 (Mint State), a high grade that dramatically increased its value. When the auction was announced by a prominent numismatic auction house, it attracted attention from collectors around the globe.
Bidding began at $5,000, but rapidly escalated as private collectors and institutions vied for the coveted piece. After nearly two hours of spirited bidding, the coin sold for an astounding $83,000—over 1,600 times its face value.
A Humble Find, A Life-Changing Outcome
The family who discovered the coin has chosen to remain anonymous, but in a brief statement released by the auction house, they expressed shock and gratitude: “We never imagined something tucked away in a sewing kit could be worth anything, let alone change our lives.”
This discovery serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that can lie unnoticed in everyday places. Experts encourage those cleaning out old estates to keep an eye out for vintage coins, stamps, and documents that may hold unexpected value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs…)
Q1: What is the 1883 Liberty Head Nickel?
A: The 1883 Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the “V Nickel,” was the first coin in the Liberty Head nickel series. It features a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a Roman numeral “V” (for five) on the reverse. Early 1883 versions famously omitted the word “CENTS,” leading to confusion and fraudulent use.
Q2: Why is the “No CENTS” version of the 1883 nickel valuable?
A: The original design lacked the word “CENTS,” making it easy for scammers to plate the nickel in gold and pass it off as a $5 coin. This design flaw was quickly corrected, making the “No CENTS” version relatively rare and highly sought-after by collectors.
Q3: How was the nickel found in the sewing kit?
A: A woman in Pennsylvania discovered the coin while sorting through her late grandmother’s old sewing kit. It was mixed in with buttons, pins, and thread. The coin’s unusual shine and date led her to have it evaluated by a professional.
The 1883 Liberty Head nickel found in a humble sewing kit is more than just a collectible—it’s a piece of American history and a testament to the unexpected fortune that can await in the most unassuming of places. As collectors continue to seek rare coins with rich stories, this once-forgotten nickel has earned its place among the legends of numismatic lore.
