Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1887 Liberty Nickel is worth anywhere from $10 in worn condition to over $600 in premium mint state. This classic American coin, featuring the iconic “V” on the reverse, is a popular find for casual collectors and those cleaning out old family jars.
| Condition | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $10 – $15 |
| Fine (F-12) | $35 – $45 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $95 – $115 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $230 – $275 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65+) | $600 – $1,250+ |
Historical Significance of the 1887 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1887 Liberty Head Nickel, often called the “V Nickel” because of the Roman numeral on its back, comes from an era of rapid American expansion. During this time, nickels were the workhorse of the economy, used for everything from streetcar fares to daily newspapers. If you have stumbled upon one of these in a drawer, you are holding a piece of the Gilded Age.
Finding out the exact worth of an old coin can be tricky for beginners, but using a top coin identifier app makes the process much simpler. By simply snapping a photo, tools like CoinKnow can help you determine if your nickel is a common circulation find or a rare specimen worth hundreds of dollars.
Unlike modern coins, the 1887 version was minted only in Philadelphia, meaning it does not carry a mint mark. The total mintage for this year was 15,249,692 coins. While this sounds like a large number, many were heavily used in commerce, making high-quality survivors quite rare today.
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Determining Value Based on Coin Condition
When assessing the 1887 Liberty Nickel value, the most important factor is the grade. Collectors use a 70-point scale to judge how much wear a coin has sustained. Most 1887 nickels found by “everyday” people fall into the “Good” or “Very Good” categories, meaning they are quite worn but the date is still legible.
A coin in “Good” condition will have the silhouette of Liberty visible, but most of the details in her hair and the wheat stalks on the back will be smoothed over. As you move up to “Fine” or “Extra Fine,” you will start to see the word “LIBERTY” clearly on the headband.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Grade Detail | Visual Indicators |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn; rims are distinct; date is readable but flat. |
| Fine (F-12) | Letters in “LIBERTY” are visible but faint; hair lines show some detail. |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | “LIBERTY” is bold; leaves on the wreath show distinct veins. |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Trace wear on highest points; significant original luster remains. |
For those lucky enough to find a coin that looks like it just left the mint, the 1887 Liberty Nickel prices for MS60 to MS65 grades can skyrocket. In these conditions, the coin must have no visible wear and retain its original shiny “theater” finish.
Why There Is No Mint Mark on the 1887 Nickel
One common question from Newcomers is “Where is the mint mark?” On many U.S. coins, you might see a “D” for Denver or an “S” for San Francisco. However, during the late 1880s, the Philadelphia Mint was the only facility producing nickels.
Since Philadelphia was the main mint, it followed the tradition of leaving the mint mark off the coin. If you see an 1887 nickel, you can be 100% certain it was struck in Philadelphia. This makes collecting the series a bit easier, as you only need to focus on one variety for this specific year.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
If you are confused about where to look for marks on other coins, the CoinKnow app provides detailed diagrams of every U.S. coin series. It helps users identify subtle differences that could mean the difference between a $5 coin and a $50 coin.
Key Varieties and Errors to Watch For
While 1887 is not known for massive “major” errors like the 1918/7 Buffalo Nickel, collectors do look for minor die cracks and “doubled dies.” A doubled die occurs when the coin is struck by a die that was improperly engraved, resulting in a slight “shadow” or doubling on the letters or numbers.
In some cases, the “7” in 1887 might show slight doubling or be struck more boldly than other numbers. While these aren’t always worth thousands, they do add a premium to the coin’s value for specialized collectors.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Check your coin under a magnifying glass. If the date looks unusually thick or if there are cracks running through the metal, you might have something more valuable than a standard issue. You can compare your find against the current 1887 coinage market trends and value data to see how different denominations from that same year are performing at auction.
How to Safely Store and Sell Your Old Nickel
If you discover that your 1887 Liberty Nickel is worth a significant amount, the first rule is: Never clean your coin. Many beginners try to scrub away the dirt to make the coin “look better,” but this actually destroys the value. Collectors value the original “patina” or toning that builds up over 130 years.
To preserve the 1887 Liberty Nickel value, place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a cardboard “2×2” holder. This prevents your finger oils and moisture in the air from causing further corrosion or dulling the surface.
When you are ready to sell, consider reaching out to a local reputable coin dealer or using an online auction platform. Before heading to a shop, use CoinKnow to get a baseline price so you know you’re getting a fair deal. Knowing the market value prevents you from selling a rare coin for just its metal content.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Sales Channel | Best For | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Quick cash and appraisal. | Fast, but may offer wholesale prices. |
| eBay/Online Auctions | Getting the highest price. | Highest potential, but takes time and fees. |
| Professional Grading (PCGS/NGC) | Extremely high-value coins. | Increases trust, but costs $30-$50 per coin. |
What Makes the 1887 Nickel a Good Investment?
For many Americans, the 1887 Liberty Nickel is a “gateway” coin. It is affordable enough for a child to start a collection, yet rare enough in high grades to interest serious investors. Because the V Nickel series ended in 1912, these coins are becoming harder to find in the wild every year.
Supply is strictly limited—they aren’t making any more of them! As more people get interested in history and coin collecting, the demand for well-preserved 1887 nickels continues to grow. This steady demand helps maintain the coin’s value even during economic fluctuations.
Whether you found one in an old jar or inherited a collection, the 1887 Liberty Nickel is a wonderful piece of American history. Its value represents not just five cents, but over a century of heritage.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1887 Liberty Nickel made of silver?
A: No, the 1887 Liberty Nickel is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Despite the “silver” color, it contains no precious metals. Its value comes entirely from its age and collector demand.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1887 nickel?
A: This coin does not have a mint mark. All Liberty Nickels from 1883 to 1911 were minted in Philadelphia. Mint marks (like “D” or “S”) only appeared on the 1912 Liberty Nickel.
Q: Should I clean my 1887 nickel to see the date better?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasives creates tiny scratches that ruin its numismatic value. A dirty coin is almost always worth more than a cleaned one.
Q: How can I tell if my nickel is a “V” Nickel?
A: Look at the back (reverse) of the coin. If you see a large Roman numeral “V” inside a wreath, it is a Liberty Head or “V” Nickel. The date will be on the bottom of the front side.