Owner Comments:
1882 5C Liberty Head Five Cents
Judd-1680, Pollock-1882
Rarity: Low R.6, PR64 Cam
Struck in nickel with a plain edge.
Obverse: The portrait of Liberty is identical to the adopted design of 1883, but here it is surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA instead of stars, and shows the date (1882) below. The border denticles are quite wide.
Reverse: Features a wreath of corn and cotton encircling a large Roman numeral V. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is above.
Comment:
Choice, bold, with attractive Lightly toned surfaces with slight contrasting between the field and devices.
One of the many suggested patterns for a new Liberty motif nickel five cent piece. William Barber, the Chief Engraver for 10 years following Longacre's death in 1869, died in 1879 and left the top job to his son, Charles E. Barber, whose design this is This design is relatively available in nickel, and it is also known in copper and aluminum. The same design was also used to create the famous "Blind Man's Nickel" with five ridges on the edge
Provenance/Appearance
Private purchase John Harmick 2006; Prior Goldberg Auctions Sept 2006 Pre-Long Beach Auction #37 / Lot 1636