1883–1959 U.S. Nickel 4-pc Set F–XF

Four Iconic Nickels That Tell America’s Story

Step back in time with this incredible set of four vintage U.S. 5-cent “nickels,” each one was struck during key moments in American history and tells a unique story. From the Industrial Revolution of the 1880s, to the hardships of the Great Depression in the 1930s, to the brutality and bravery exhibited by American everywhere during World War II, this set brings history to life:

• 1883–1899 Liberty “V” nickel—The Liberty Nickel, held the title of America’s primary five cent coin for over thirty years. Struck and put into circulation in 1883, the Liberty Nickel had a slight controversy around its denomination for the first year. See, while the obverse of the coin shows a bust of Lady Liberty, the reverse shows a stylized Roman numeral “V” for five. The problem? The word “Cents” was not placed anywhere on the nickel coins, so it became very easy for people with less than good morals quickly took advantage of the mistake by gold plating these coins and passing them off as five DOLLARS as opposed to cents. The mistake was quickly rectified, but not before some of the plated Liberty Nickels made their way in to the market.
• 1913–1938 Buffalo Nickel—The Buffalo Nickel was first struck in 1913 and was the nickel in circulation during World War I, the Roaring Twenties, and the Great Depression. Created by famed American sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel has always been one of America’s most popular coins. The Indian depicted on the coin is a dead ringer for Oglala Lakota Chief Iron Tail—though Fraser claimed it was a composite of three men—Iron Tail of the Sioux, Two Moons of the Cheyenne, and John Big Tree of the Seneca nation—in order to protect both the Chief’s privacy and his own artistic license. The buffalo on the reverse was modeled after Black Diamond, a large American bison then on display at the Bronx Zoo in New York City not far from Fraser’s studio.
• 1938–1959 Jefferson Nickel—The Jefferson nickel was first minted in 1938 and was designed by Felix O. Schlag. It replaced the Buffalo nickel, which had been in use since 1913. Featuring a portrait of President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his Monticello home on the reverse, this nickel became a staple of American coinage and symbolized the nation's heritage and growth during a period of economic change. First struck during The Great Depression, it has seen service in America’s daily commerce through four major wars, and numerous economic changes in the United States. This nickel will bear dates ranging from the late 1930s to the 1950s.
• 1942–1945 World War II-Era Jefferson “Silver War Nickel”—Though America’s 5-cent Nickel coin gets its name from its traditional metal contents, there was a time when the coin contained no nickel at all! That’s because during World War II, our nation’s coinage did more than just line the pockets of citizens on the home front going about their business. They also helped us win the war. Perhaps the most famous example of this is the Jefferson “War Nickel,” struck from 1942 to 1945. Because nickel was a valuable component in guns, tanks, and airplanes, these coins were struck for the very first time in 35% fine silver since that precious metal was less valuable to the war effort. These unique “War Nickels” are easily identifiable by their very large mintmarks on the reverse.

The coins in this collection will come in grades ranging from Fine to Extremely Fine (F–XF) condition. Each coin will be housed in a clear flip and the set will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Don’t miss the chance to own these iconic pieces!

NOTE: Where there is a date range, dates will be our choice.