Price Guide for 1903 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.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $35.00 – $25,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.00 – $177.00Uncirculated: $44.44 – $4,770.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $120.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.10 – $10,281.25
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eBayUncirculated: $165.00 – $7,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $253.00 – $19,975.00
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eBayUncirculated: $320.00 – $2,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,840.00 – $6,181.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1903 Nickel
The 1903 Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the V Nickel, was part of a series that ran from 1883 to 1912. This coin design marked a significant change from the previous Shield nickel, introducing a more classical and artistic approach to American coinage.
The year 1903 saw continued economic growth in the United States, and these nickels played an important role in everyday commerce. The absence of the word ‘CENTS’ on the reverse, a feature of the entire series, was notable and had led to some controversy in the coin’s early years.
| 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 plays a crucial role in the value of 1903 Liberty Head Nickels. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become progressively scarcer and more valuable.
Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are highly sought after by collectors. The presence of a full strike, strong luster, and minimal contact marks significantly enhances the coin’s desirability and value.
Toning can also impact value, with attractive, natural toning often commanding a premium among collectors who appreciate the aesthetic appeal it adds to the coin.
Mintage: 28,006,725
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is particularly important for Liberty Head Nickels. Well-struck examples with full details, especially on Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable.
The presence of original mint luster is highly prized in uncirculated specimens. Coins with strong, cartwheel luster are typically more valuable than those with subdued or impaired luster.
While not typically associated with major varieties or errors, any 1903 nickel with a significant mint error could be considerably more valuable. Such errors might include off-center strikes, die cracks, or doubled dies, though these are rare for this particular year and denomination.
