FrostbyteCoins
Nickel · $0.05
1881 Pattern & Experimental Coins
Key Features
- Judd-1671, struck in nickel - Designer: Charles E. Barber - Part of a matching 1-cent, 3-cent and 5-cent pattern set - Also Judd-1672 (copper) and Judd-1673 (aluminum, about $7,000 to $9,800) - No IN GOD WE TRUST or E PLURIBUS UNUM (added on Judd-1674a)
Intriguing History
In 1881, new Chief Engraver Charles Barber tried a matching set: a cent, a three-cent piece and a nickel, all with the same Liberty head. The nickel has a huge Roman numeral V in a wreath on the back, and no motto. It is Judd-1671 in nickel, Judd-1672 in copper and Judd-1673 in aluminum. That Liberty head would soon be on every nickel for the next thirty years.