1904 Liberty Head Nickel Value

Expect a 1904 Liberty Head Nickel to trade between about $0.10 and $38.00, driven almost entirely by grade. The figures below break the range down grade by grade.

Public domain image (struck or printed before 1926). Click to enlarge.

1904 Liberty Head Nickel value by grade

1904 Liberty Head Nickel value by grade
GradeEstimated value
Good (G-4)$0.10 to $0.15
Very Good (VG-8)$0.10 to $0.20
Fine (F-12)$0.20 to $0.35
Very Fine (VF-20)$0.40 to $0.70
Extremely Fine (XF-40)$0.80 to $1.35
About Uncirculated (AU-50)$1.60 to $2.70
Mint State (MS-60)$3.20 to $5.40
Choice Unc (MS-63)$7.20 to $12.00
Gem Unc (MS-65)$22.50 to $38.00

Estimated retail range, updated 2026-06-15. Estimates are modeled from mintage rarity and metal content, not auction records. Actual sale prices vary with certification, eye appeal and market timing.

What is a 1904 Liberty Head Nickel worth right now?

In worn but collectible condition (Good-4), a 1904 Liberty Head Nickel starts around $0.10. From there, value climbs with every grade step: a gem Mint State example (MS-65) can reach $38.00. Most coins found in old collections fall somewhere between Very Fine and About Uncirculated, the middle rows of the table above.

1904 Liberty Head Nickel specifications

Series
Liberty Head Nickel
Year
1904
Mint mark
None (Philadelphia)
Mintage
Not recorded
Composition
75% copper, 25% nickel
Weight
5 g
Diameter
21.2 mm
Edge
Plain
Designer
Charles E. Barber

Why there is no letter on this coin

Look for a letter and you will not find one. The 1904 Liberty Head Nickel is a Philadelphia product, and the main mint did not sign its work at this time. On branch-mint examples the mark sits on the reverse, left of CENTS at the bottom (1912-D and 1912-S only).

Why the 1904 Liberty Head Nickel is worth money

Without a firm mintage figure, the 1904 Liberty Head Nickel trades on what actually turns up. Documented museum specimens give collectors a benchmark for authenticity and typical preservation.

There is history in a 1904 Liberty Head Nickel as well. Then comes the legend: five 1913 Liberty nickels, struck under circumstances never explained, each now worth millions. That backdrop keeps the series among the most actively collected in American numismatics.

1904 Liberty Head Nickel inscriptions & design

Obverse

LIBERTY [on coronet] / (date)

Liberty bust left

Reverse

• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • / E PLURIBUS UNUM / V / CENTS

Wreath

Measured 1904 Liberty Head Nickel specimens

2 physically measured 1904 Liberty Head Nickel examples in our reference database. Real measured weights and die axes let you authenticate a coin against the 5 g, 21.2 mm minting standard.

Measured 1904 Liberty Head Nickel specimens
SpecimenWeightDiameterDie axisReferences
1904 Liberty Head Nickel #1----
1904 Liberty Head Nickel #2----

Specifications compiled from documented museum specimens. See our data & methodology page.

Summary: the 1904 Liberty Head Nickel is valued between $0.10 and $38.00 as of 2026-06-15. Estimates combine mintage rarity, key-date status and metal content; they are editorial guidance, not an offer to buy.