Also, there are 2 1883 varieties. The first variety, did not have the word "cents" on the bottom of the reverse. This was changed midway through 1883 by simply adding "cents" to the reverse of the coin.
And the "No cents" variety is worth substantially less in circulated grades than the 1883 "with cents" even though it had 1/3rd the mintage. Why, cause people thought they would become collectable so they saved them in large numbers ensuring that they would remain common.
The reason for that change from no cents to cents was because a racketeer named Josh Tatum gold plated a bunch & passed them to merchants (as $5 gold coins) then waiting for change for $5. He was arrested, but acquitted since he never actually asked for change (because he was deaf-mute & unable to speak). The design was changed then to add cents to the reverse.
As mentioned, the first regular production began in 1883. A number of patterns with similar designs were produced in 1882. Edit: Beat me to posting AnemicOak. Although the Josh Tatum story is often referred to, it is no more than a myth with no factual basis.
thank you for your replies,reason for asking was i went thru alot of v nickles i have and found one dated 1863,i guess this is not possible but i will send pic. when i can figure out how to do it,thanks to all
And that would be quite a trick too considering the Shield nickel wasn't authorized until May of 1866. He probably has an 1883 with a damaged second 8.
will post pic. later this is something you must see,it looks like the 1883 on the front and the back says united states of america with a v and under it it says cents,i looked at it thru a loop and it does not look like a misprint the 6 is real clear
Sorry, tried to answer that one from memory. Thats what happens when I try to think on my own.........lol
Here's a website that will teach you about the Liberty Nickel series; www.libertynickels.org . Aidan.
