Price Guide for 1905 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $109.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $7,050.00
-
eBayCirculated: $4.81 – $770.00Uncirculated: $20.49 – $1,325.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $120.00 – $6,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $98.00Uncirculated: $1.10 – $29,375.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $157.50 – $1,314.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $140.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $17,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $259.00 – $16,100.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $763.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $17,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1905 Nickel
The 1905 Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the V Nickel, was part of a series that ran from 1883 to 1912. This coin design was significant as it marked a departure from the previous Shield nickel, offering a more artistic and detailed representation of Liberty on American coinage.
The year 1905 was during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, who later initiated a renaissance in American coin design. This nickel represents the tail end of the older, more conservative coin designs before the artistic revolution in U.S. coinage that would occur in the following decade.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral V surrounded by a wreath, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1905 Liberty Head Nickel’s value. While common in circulated grades, examples in Mint State condition, particularly MS65 and above, are scarce and highly sought after. The soft metal composition makes high-grade specimens challenging to find, as the coins were prone to bag marks and wear.
Coins with full strike details, especially on Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse, command premium prices. The presence of original mint luster significantly enhances value, while attractive, natural toning can also increase desirability among collectors.
Mintage: 29,827,276
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to soft nickel composition prone to bag marks
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is a critical factor for 1905 Liberty Head Nickels. Well-struck examples with sharp details, particularly on Liberty’s hair and the wreath, are more valuable. The presence of ‘full steps’ on the reverse (clear horizontal lines on the steps of the monument) can significantly increase value, especially in higher grades.
Original mint luster is highly prized, and coins retaining their original surface quality command premium prices. While not as common on nickels, attractive toning can add to the coin’s appeal and value, especially if it’s natural and enhances the coin’s overall appearance.
As with many coins of this era, provenance can play a role in value. Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections may carry additional premium.
