|
|
|
The First-Ever "Racketeer" Nickel
|
|
Country:
U.S.A. |
|
Date:
1883 |
|
Purity:
.750/.250 |
|
Denomination:
5
Cents |
|
Weight:
5 g |
|
Diameter:
21.2 mm |
|
Condition:
Very Fine |
|
Obverse:
Liberty, 13 stars, date |
|
Reverse:
"United States of America", Roman numeral 5 (V), laurel leaves, "E Pluribus Unum" |
|
|
| First struck in 1883, Liberty Head Nickels displayed only a large V to indicate 5-cents. Many criminals soon plated them with gold and passed them off as 'new' $5 gold coins. The U.S. Mint quickly added the word CENTS to all subsequent issues and today few 1883 Racketeer nickels exist. Now you can get one in Very Fine condition. |
|
|
|