1887 Liberty Head Nickel Value Guide (Worth $20-$9,000)
1887 Liberty Head Nickel values: $20 (G-4) to $9,000 (MS-67). Includes rare FS-801 DDR variety, proof valuations, mint errors, and expert grading insights.
The 1887 Liberty Head Nickel is worth $20 to $9,000 depending on grade and variety.
- Circulated:$20 – $175 (G-4 through AU-58)
- Uncirculated:$190 – $550 (MS-60 through MS-64)
- Gem examples:$775 – $9,000 (MS-65 through MS-67)
- Proofs:$160 – $4,500 (CAM/DCAM add premiums)
- FS-801 DDR variety: 5x-10x premium over normal coins
Despite its 15+ million mintage, well-struck high-grade examples are scarce due to die wear affecting most production.
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1887 Liberty Head Nickel: Overview and Value Range
1887 Liberty Head Nickel - Charles E. Barber's design featuring Liberty on obverse and Type 2 'With CENTS' reverse
The 1887 Liberty Head Nickel (also known as the "V Nickel") represents a classic American five-cent piece from the Philadelphia Mint. This coin is worth between $20 for well-worn examples and up to $9,000 for superb gem uncirculated specimens, with the rare FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse variety commanding even higher premiums. While its mintage of over 15 million suggests a common coin, well-struck high-grade examples are genuinely scarce—most coins show weak strikes from worn dies, making sharp specimens highly collectible. This guide covers identification, accurate valuation across all grades, the important DDR variety, and essential tips for collectors seeking premium-quality examples.
How to Identify an 1887 Liberty Head Nickel
Key identification features: no mint mark (Philadelphia issue), Type 2 reverse with CENTS, date positioning
The 1887 Liberty Nickel was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use mint marks during this period. To confirm you have a genuine 1887 issue, examine these key design features:
Obverse: Charles E. Barber's design features Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed "LIBERTY." Her hair is tied in a bun and adorned with a wreath of agricultural products (cotton, corn, wheat). Thirteen six-pointed stars encircle the portrait, representing the original colonies. The date "1887" appears at the bottom below the neck truncation.
Reverse: This coin uses the Type 2 reverse (adopted mid-1883) with a large Roman numeral "V" for the denomination. A wreath of corn ears, cotton bolls, and wheat surrounds the "V." The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" arcs above, "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircles the top, and "CENTS" appears at the bottom below the wreath.
No Mint Mark: All 1887 nickels were struck in Philadelphia and carry no mint mark. Denver and San Francisco only struck Liberty Nickels in 1912, placing their marks to the left of "CENTS" on the reverse. Any 1887 nickel claiming a D or S mint mark is counterfeit.
Strike Quality Identifier: Check the thirteen obverse stars for complete definition and examine the ear of corn on the reverse wreath. Well-struck coins show full detail in these areas; most examples show weakness from die wear, making sharp coins significantly more valuable than typical specimens of the same grade.
1887 Liberty Head Nickel Value Guide
Grade comparison: G-4 showing heavy wear vs VF-20 with moderate detail vs MS-65 with full original luster
The 1887 Liberty Nickel's value escalates sharply in higher grades, where well-struck examples become true condition rarities.
1887 Business Strike Values
The following table shows current market values based on PCGS and NGC price guides as of November 2025, supplemented by recent auction results:
| Grade | PCGS Value | NGC Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 | $20 | $20 |
| VG-8 | $30 | $30 |
| F-12 | $40 | $40 |
| VF-20 | $70 | $70 |
| EF-40 | $100 | $100 |
| AU-50 | $125 | $125 |
| AU-55 | $165 | $160 |
| AU-58 | $175 | $175 |
| MS-60 | $190 | $190 |
| MS-61 | $200 | $200 |
| MS-62 | $250 | $230 |
| MS-63 | $300 | $300 |
| MS-64 | $550 | $500 |
| MS-65 | $775 | $790 |
| MS-66 | $1,850 | $1,775 |
| MS-67 | $9,000 | $8,850 |
Grade-by-Grade Analysis:
Circulated Grades (G-4 through AU-58): Values range from $20 for heavily worn Good-4 examples to $175 for About Uncirculated coins showing only slight friction. These grades are readily available, with prices relatively stable. The premium for AU-58 reflects the coin's closeness to the more valuable uncirculated tier.
Lower Mint State (MS-60 through MS-63): The jump from AU-58 ($175) to MS-60 ($190) is modest because many surviving mint state examples fall in this range. MS-63 coins at $300 represent the upper limit of "common" uncirculated 1887 nickels.
MS-64 Turning Point: At $550, MS-64 marks the beginning of condition rarity. The population drops significantly here because most coins with this much original detail also show die weakness or surface issues that prevent higher grades.
Gem and Finer (MS-65+): MS-65 examples at $775 are scarce, combining technical grade with strong strike. MS-66 coins at $1,850 are rare, and MS-67 specimens at $9,000 are extreme condition rarities. The auction record for a business strike is $11,163 for an MS-66+ sold by Heritage Auctions in August 2013.
Recent Auction Results:
- MS-67: $7,200(Heritage Auctions, January 2018)
- MS-66: $1,320(Stack's Bowers, August 2024)
- MS-65: $588(Heritage Auctions, May 2024)
- MS-64: $360(Stack's Bowers, May 2023, NGC)
1887 Proof Strike Values
The Philadelphia Mint struck 2,960 proof Liberty Nickels in 1887 for collectors. While this makes proofs more available than high-grade business strikes, value varies dramatically based on surface quality and Cameo contrast.
| Grade | Standard Proof | CAM | DCAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-60 | $160 | $250-$350 | — |
| PR-61 | $180 | $300-$400 | — |
| PR-62 | $220 | $350-$450 | — |
| PR-63 | $250 | $400-$550 | $1,000+ |
| PR-64 | $370 | $550-$750 | $1,500+ |
| PR-65 | $550 | $800-$1,200 | $2,500+ |
| PR-66 | $775 | $1,500-$2,500 | $4,000+ |
| PR-67 | $4,500 | $4,500-$6,000 | $8,000+ |
Standard Proofs: Examples without Cameo designation trade for $160 (PR-60) to $4,500 (PR-67). These have mirrored fields but lack the frosted device contrast that defines Cameo pieces.
Cameo Proofs (CAM): Representing only 10-15% of survivors, Cameo proofs command 2x-3x standard values. A PR-64 CAM brings $550-$750 compared to $370 for standard PR-64.
Deep Cameo Proofs (DCAM): With less than 1% of proofs showing Deep Cameo contrast, these are exceptionally rare. A PR-66+ CAM realized $3,840 at Heritage Auctions in February 2024, demonstrating strong market demand for superior eye appeal.
Grading the 1887 Liberty Head Nickel
Critical wear areas: hair above ear, coronet letters, reverse wreath high points
Understanding 1887 Liberty Nickel grades requires examining specific wear points and recognizing the impact of strike quality on apparent grade.
Circulated Grades:
Good-4 through Very Good-10: Heavy wear smooths most detail. Liberty's hair above the ear is worn flat, coronet letters are weak or partially missing, and reverse wreath details merge together. The date and major design elements remain visible but lack definition.
Fine-12 through Very Fine-30: Moderate wear appears on Liberty's hair, with some strand separation visible above the ear. About half the coronet letters show clear definition. On the reverse, individual leaves and corn kernels become distinguishable, though high points remain smooth.
Strike quality comparison: weak die showing flat stars and corn vs sharp strike with full detail
Extremely Fine-40 through About Uncirculated-58: Light wear appears only on the highest points: the hair strands immediately above Liberty's ear, the coronet letters (particularly "LIBE"), and the upper leaves of the reverse wreath. AU coins show slight friction but retain most original surface detail.
Uncirculated Grades:
MS-60 through MS-63: No wear on high points, but surface quality varies. MS-60 coins may have distracting bag marks, dull luster, or spotting. MS-63 coins show fewer marks and better overall eye appeal but lack the pristine surfaces of Gem coins.
Mint state progression: MS-62 with bag marks vs MS-65 minimal marks vs MS-66 exceptional surfaces
MS-64: Minimal surface marks, good luster, and acceptable strike quality. This grade represents the upper limit for typical uncirculated survivors—most coins with better surfaces also suffer from weak strikes that prevent higher grades.
MS-65 and Higher: Gem coins combine excellent surfaces with strong strike quality. All thirteen obverse stars show complete definition, the ear of corn displays full kernels, and the coronet letters are sharp. These coins also exhibit original mint luster free of significant marks or discoloration. MS-66 and MS-67 examples represent the finest known survivors.
💡 Strike Quality Impact
Because die wear affected most 1887 nickels, a sharply struck MS-63 can have more eye appeal than a weakly struck MS-64. Premium-quality coins show: complete detail on all 13 obverse stars, sharp lettering in "LIBERTY" coronet, fully defined ear of corn with individual kernels visible, and crisp wreath leaves and cotton bolls.
1887 Liberty Head Nickel Die Varieties
FS-801 DDR variety: clear doubling visible on STATES and E PLURIBUS UNUM
1887 Doubled Die Reverse (FS-801)
The FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse transforms the common 1887 nickel into a significant variety commanding 5x-10x normal values.
Attribution: Cataloged as FS-801 in the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties and designated VP-001 by NGC VarietyPlus, this Class II doubled die resulted from die rotation between hubbings.
How to Identify: Look for clear doubling on the reverse lettering, most prominent on "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" (especially "STATES") and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The separation between doubled impressions is distinct and visible with 5x-10x magnification. The doubling appears as a complete second impression slightly offset from the primary letters, not as simple die erosion or doubling from die deterioration.
Value Range:
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| G-4 | $75-$125 |
| VG-8 | $125-$175 |
| F-12 | $175-$250 |
| VF-20 | $250-$400 |
| EF-40 | $450-$650 |
| AU-50 | $700-$900 |
| MS-60+ | $1,000+ |
An ICG-graded VF-35 example was offered for $350, approximately five times the value of a normal VF-35 coin at $70. This premium holds across all grades, making the FS-801 DDR the single most important variety for the 1887 date.
1887 Liberty Head Nickel Mint Errors
Several mint error types exist for the 1887 Liberty Nickel, with value determined by error type, severity, and base coin grade.
Off-Center Strikes: When the planchet isn't properly seated between dies, the result is an off-center strike. Value depends on percentage off-center and date visibility. A VG-10 example struck 20% off-center sold for $325. An MS-63 coin with only 5% off-center strike brought over $525, showing that both error severity and grade impact value.
Lamination Errors: Caused by impurities in the copper-nickel alloy, lamination errors appear as surface peels, flakes, or splits. Minor laminations add $10-$30 premium. Prominent laminations on circulated coins command higher premiums, though examples with other problems (like acid-restored dates) lose most error premium.
Die Cracks: When dies crack under striking pressure, subsequent coins show raised lines. Minor cracks are common and add little value. Large, dramatic cracks (especially cuds—large die breaks at the rim) are more desirable. A VG coin with a notable obverse die crack was listed for $50, roughly double the value of a normal VG coin.
Wrong Planchet Strikes: Extremely rare and valuable, these occur when a blank intended for one coin type is struck with dies for another. A VG-10 example of an 1887 nickel struck on a Colombian 5 Centavos planchet sold at auction for $460—significantly more than a standard MS-63 business strike. These errors demonstrate how error rarity can supersede grade in determining value.
Strike-Through Errors: When foreign material (cloth, wire, planchet fragments) comes between die and planchet during striking, it leaves an impression. An MS-65 strike-through error sold for over $250, showing collector demand for dramatic, well-preserved error coins.
ℹ️ Error Value Dynamics
The mint error market follows different principles than date collecting. A VG-10 wrong planchet error at $460 exceeds the value of an MS-63 normal strike because error type and rarity dominate the value equation.
Authenticating Your 1887 Liberty Head Nickel
Authentication: cleaned coin showing hairlines and unnatural brightness vs original untoned surfaces
While the 1887 Liberty Nickel isn't a prime target for counterfeiters like the rare 1885 and 1886 dates, collectors should remain vigilant when purchasing uncertified examples.
Weight Verification: A genuine 1887 nickel weighs exactly 5.0 grams (within small mint tolerance). Use a precision scale—any significant deviation suggests either a counterfeit or a coin that has been altered or damaged. Underweight coins may have been acid-treated; overweight examples might be struck on incorrect planchets.
Font and Design Details: Authentic Liberty Nickels feature elegant numeral and letter designs with varied line thickness. Counterfeits often display clumsy, uniformly thick characters that lack the refinement of genuine dies. Compare the suspected coin's date, stars, and lettering to images of verified examples from sources like PCGS CoinFacts.
Coronet Inscription: The word "LIBERTY" on Liberty's coronet is incuse—sunken into the metal surface. Many cast counterfeits incorrectly show raised lettering because they're made from molds of genuine coins, which reverses the relief. This is one of the easiest diagnostic features to check.
Surface Quality and Striking Details: Genuine coins show crisp, sharp detail even when worn (unless weakly struck). Counterfeits often appear soft, mushy, or rounded, particularly on fine details like star points and wreath elements. Look for unusual lumps, tool marks, or rough patches in the fields—these indicate poor-quality counterfeit dies.
Cleaned Coins: A cleaned coin has been artificially processed to remove toning or surface deposits, permanently damaging its numismatic value. Warning signs include unnaturally bright surfaces, fine parallel scratches (hairlines) covering the coin, and uneven color where dark patina remains in protected areas while fields appear bright. Cleaned coins receive "Details" grades from certification services and trade at substantial discounts. Never purchase a high-value uncirculated coin without third-party certification.
When to Buy Certified: For any 1887 nickel graded MS-64 or higher, or for any proof coin, purchase only examples certified by PCGS or NGC. The cost of certification is minimal compared to the risk of buying a counterfeit, altered, or misgraded coin. Certification also provides liquidity when selling.
Preserving Your 1887 Liberty Head Nickel
Proper storage protects your 1887 Liberty Nickel's condition and value. The copper-nickel composition is susceptible to environmental damage, particularly from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and improper handling.
Store coins in inert, archival-quality holders made from Mylar or other PVC-free plastics. PVC, found in some older coin flips and folders, releases chlorine compounds that cause irreversible green corrosion on copper-nickel coins. If you detect a vinegary odor from coin holders, replace them immediately—this indicates PVC breakdown.
Handle coins by their edges only, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Skin oils contain acids and salts that can cause spotting and discoloration over time. Wear cotton or nitrile gloves when examining uncertified coins outside their holders.
Store coins in a stable environment away from temperature extremes and humidity fluctuations. Avoid attics, basements, and areas near heating/cooling vents. A climate-controlled safe or bank deposit box provides ideal conditions.
⚠️ Never Clean Your Coins
The 75% copper, 25% nickel composition reacts unpredictably to common household cleaners, acids, and abrasives. Even gentle cleaning permanently damages the original surface, destroying the coin's numismatic value and making it unsellable to serious collectors. Original, untoned surfaces—even if slightly spotted or darkened—are infinitely preferable to cleaned ones. Professional conservation exists for truly damaged coins, but it's expensive and only appropriate for rare, valuable pieces where the base value justifies the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1887 Liberty Head Nickel worth?
Value ranges from $20 for heavily circulated examples to $9,000 for superb gem uncirculated specimens. Most circulated coins (G-4 through AU-58) trade for $20-$175. Uncirculated examples are worth significantly more: $190-$300 for MS-60 to MS-63, $550 for MS-64, and $775+ for gems. Proof coins range from $160 to $4,500, with Cameo and Deep Cameo designations commanding substantial premiums. The rare FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse variety brings 5-10 times normal values. Accurate grading and strike quality assessment are essential for determining your specific coin's value.
Does the 1887 nickel have a mint mark?
No. All 1887 Liberty Head Nickels were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use mint marks during this period. The Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) Mints only struck Liberty Nickels in 1912, the series' final year. Those coins have mint marks to the left of "CENTS" on the reverse. Any 1887 nickel claiming to have a D or S mint mark is counterfeit.
How can I identify the FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse?
Look for clear doubling on the reverse lettering, especially visible on "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" (particularly "STATES") and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The doubling appears as a complete second impression slightly offset from the primary letters. With 5x-10x magnification, you'll see distinct separation between the doubled images—not mere fuzzy edges or die erosion. This variety is scarce but worth searching for, as it adds 5-10 times the value of a normal 1887 nickel.
Should I get my 1887 nickel professionally graded?
For coins that appear to grade MS-64 or higher, professional certification by PCGS or NGC is essential. The grading fees (typically $20-$40) are minimal compared to the price difference between grades at this level—an MS-65 is worth $775 versus $550 for MS-64. Certification also provides authentication, protects the coin in a sealed holder, and makes it much easier to sell. For circulated coins below AU-58, certification may not be cost-effective unless the coin shows the FS-801 variety or is a spectacular error. Proof coins in any grade benefit from certification due to their collector orientation.
What makes a well-struck 1887 nickel more valuable?
Despite a mintage over 15 million, most 1887 nickels show weak strikes from worn dies. A well-struck coin exhibits complete detail on all thirteen obverse stars, sharp lettering in the "LIBERTY" coronet, and a fully defined ear of corn with visible individual kernels on the reverse. These strike characteristics can add 25-50% premiums over typical MS-63 or MS-64 coins of the same technical grade. Collectors seeking premium-quality examples specifically hunt for sharp strikes, making them more liquid and desirable in the marketplace.
Are cleaned 1887 nickels worth buying?
No. Cleaned coins have been permanently damaged by improper cleaning attempts, destroying their original surfaces. They receive "Details" grades from certification services (e.g., "AU Details—Cleaned") and trade at substantial discounts to problem-free coins. For investment or serious collecting purposes, avoid cleaned coins entirely. Even if priced cheaply, they lack the growth potential and liquidity of original, uncleaned pieces.
What's the difference between Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs?
Cameo (CAM) proofs exhibit frosted devices contrasting with mirrored fields—approximately 10-15% of 1887 proofs show this characteristic. Deep Cameo (DCAM or Ultra Cameo) proofs have exceptionally strong, snow-white frosted devices against deeply mirrored fields. Less than 1% of 1887 proofs qualify as Deep Cameo, making them extremely rare and valuable. A standard PR-65 trades for around $550, a PR-65 CAM for $800-$1,200, and a PR-65 DCAM for $2,500+. The dramatic price differences reflect both rarity and collector demand for superior visual appeal.
How common are mint errors on 1887 nickels?
Minor errors like small laminations and minor die cracks are fairly common and add modest premiums ($10-$50). Significant errors like off-center strikes (10%+), major die cracks (cuds), and strike-through errors are scarce and command prices from $200-$500+. Wrong planchet strikes are extremely rare, with the documented Colombian 5 Centavos planchet example selling for $460. Error rarity and visual drama determine value more than the base coin's grade in many cases.
How should I care for my nickel coin?
Store in PVC-free holders (Mylar or archival plastic), handle only by edges using gloves, keep in climate-controlled environment away from temperature/humidity extremes, and never attempt to clean the coin. The copper-nickel composition is particularly vulnerable to PVC damage and harsh cleaning. Even natural darkening or light spotting is preferable to cleaning damage, which permanently destroys numismatic value.
Where were 1887 Liberty Head Nickels made?
All 1887 Liberty Head Nickels were struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint. Business strike mintage was 15,260,692 pieces, and proof mintage was 2,960 pieces. Philadelphia coins from this era carry no mint mark. The Denver and San Francisco Mints did not produce Liberty Nickels until 1912.
Recent 1887 Liberty Head Nickel Auction Results
The following auction results demonstrate current market values for certified 1887 Liberty Nickels:
Business Strike Highlights:
- MS-67: $7,200(Heritage Auctions, January 2018)
- MS-66+: $11,163(Heritage Auctions, August 2013) [Series record]
- MS-66: $1,320(Stack's Bowers, August 2024)
- MS-65: $588(Heritage Auctions, May 2024)
- MS-64: $360(Stack's Bowers, May 2023, NGC certified)
- MS-63: $252(Heritage Auctions, March 2023)
- MS-62: $192(Heritage Auctions, June 2023)
- AU-58: $264(Heritage Auctions, February 2023)
- AU-55: $114(Heritage Auctions, May 2023)
Proof Strike Highlights:
- PR-67: $6,900(Heritage Auctions, August 2011)
- PR-66+ CAM: $3,840(Heritage Auctions, February 2024)
- PR-65: $720(Heritage Auctions, May 2024)
- PR-65: $552(Stack's Bowers, June 2021)
These results demonstrate strong collector demand for premium-quality examples. The significant premium for the MS-66+ over typical MS-66 coins reflects the importance of superior eye appeal and strike quality. The nearly 5x price difference between standard PR-65 proofs and PR-66+ CAM proofs shows how dramatically Cameo contrast impacts value in the proof market.
Research Methodology and Sources
The valuations and market analysis in this guide draw from multiple authoritative numismatic sources, including PCGS CoinFacts, NGC Coin Explorer, Stack's Bowers Galleries price guides, and documented auction results from Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers spanning 2011-2024. Physical specifications, mintage figures, and variety attributions come from official U.S. Mint records and recognized references including the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties.
Coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, precious metal prices (though negligible for base metal nickels), and collector demand. The prices shown represent fair market values for properly graded, problem-free examples at the time of publication (November 2025). Actual selling prices vary based on individual coin quality, strike characteristics, eye appeal, and current market dynamics. Auction results reflect specific coins sold on particular dates and may not represent typical market values.
For verification of high-value coins or unusual varieties, always seek certification from PCGS or NGC before making significant purchases. This guide is intended for educational purposes and should not replace examination by qualified numismatic professionals for valuable specimens or estate evaluations.
