Imagine the following scenario.
You get some change back and notice that one of the nickels is from 1911—more than 100 years old! Naturally, you might wonder if it’s worth anything. The answer? It might be.
1911 V-Nickel Details
- Year: 1911
- Mint Mark: None
- Type: Liberty Head “V” Nickel
- Estimated Value: $2.50–$115.00+
- Face Value: $0.05
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Obverse Designer: Charles E. Barber
- Reverse Designer: Charles E. Barber
- Total Minted: 39,557,000
- Edge: Smooth
1911 Liberty V-Nickel Value Chart
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Heavily Worn | $1 – $2 |
| Moderately Used | $2 – $5 |
| Fine | $7.50 |
| Very Fine | $10 |
| Near Mint | $30 |
| Uncirculated | $60+ |
The 1911 Liberty Head Nickel is part of a series produced from 1883 to 1912, with a few 1913 coins known to exist. These nickels became a staple of everyday transactions in the early 20th century.
Many V-Nickels remained in use through the 1940s and 1950s. The 1911 version is one of the most recognizable, partly because over 39 million were made—making it one of the most heavily circulated coins of its time.
Since these nickels were used so often, most of them are found in worn condition. It’s uncommon to come across one that’s near mint or uncirculated.
The term “V” Nickel comes from the large Roman numeral “V” for five on the coin’s reverse.
1911 Liberty V Nickel Variety And Value Guide
1911 Liberty V Nickel (No Mint Mark)
- Mintage: 39,559,372
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Designer: Charles E. Barber
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Weight: 5 grams
All 1911 V Nickels were minted in Philadelphia, and none have mint marks. At the time, the demand for nickels was high, and the Philadelphia Mint produced them at full capacity.
Also Read: Top 110 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money
1911 Liberty V Nickel History
The 1911 V Nickel stands out as the most widely distributed coin of its kind and was the second-to-last year of the Liberty Head series. It symbolizes the end of a coinage era.
The front of the coin shows Liberty facing left, surrounded by 13 stars for the original colonies. On the back, a large “V” (the Roman numeral for five) sits within a wreath of wheat, corn, and cotton—key crops in the U.S. at the time.
From year to year, there weren’t major design changes in the Liberty Head nickels. Key differences for 1911 include the year itself and the presence of the word “CENT” on the back.
1911 Nickel Grading
Grading this coin is pretty simple. If you can still see the details of the stars or the cotton in the wreath, your coin might be in better condition. There are also video guides that can help you with grading.
1911 Nickel Error List
Double Die & Lamination Error
This error causes a doubled image, usually in the date area, giving the coin a smudged appearance. Such errors can raise the coin’s value. One example sold for $89.
Lamination Error
These errors occur when the metal layers don’t bond properly, leading to flaking or cracks. Though common, they can increase value slightly. One such coin sold for around $8.
Strike/Planchet Error
A strike error happens when a coin isn’t properly pressed. It may appear misaligned, off-center, or weakly struck. These are often more valuable and worth close inspection. If you find one, it could be a lucky and profitable discovery.
FAQ
What is a 1911 Nickel made of?
It’s composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel—not pure nickel, despite the name.
What’s the rarest Liberty Head Nickel?
That title goes to the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Only five are known to exist, and they were never officially released by the U.S. Mint.
What’s the most expensive V-Nickel?
The 1913 V-Nickel is also the priciest. One of these rare coins can fetch over $5 million at auction.
Where is the mint mark on a 1911 Nickel?
Like other Liberty Head nickels, the mint mark (if there is one) is found on the front of the coin, to the left side near a small dot. However, all 1911 nickels were made in Philadelphia and have no mint mark.