Owner Comments:
1882 5C Liberty Head Five Cents
Judd-1682, Pollock-1885
Rarity: High R.7, PR64 PCGS
Struck in Aluminum 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:
.A sharply struck and untoned example without any evident post-strike detractions. A few parallel lines (from the planchet prior to the strike) cross the base of the large V.
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, however rarer in aluminum. The same design was also used to create the famous "Blind Man's Nickel" with five ridges on the edge
The Teichman Photo File shows only four specimens. Currently Housed in a Generation 3.1 green label holder.
Provenance/Appearance:
From The Burge Collection. Heritage Feb 27 2025 Long Beach Expo / Lot #4118; Prior:
Ex: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/1998), lot 8195;
Sale of the 70's (Kagin's, 11/1973), lot 357;