Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 4/21/2025: Gold $3380 | Silver $32.89
1898 Nickel Value
The condition of these Liberty nickels is evaluated using a step-by-step method. 1898 nickel value is directly related to and rises with improved preservation quality.
Finding significant features that are still visible frequently discovers a high-quality nickel. To complete a process of determining how much an old nickel is worth, use the images below to pinpoint significant characteristics.
The chart shows the value steadily increasing, the result of identifying higher quality.
Steps Leading to Value:
- Step 1: Date Identified - Confirm an accurate date on the coin. All dates are important within the Liberty series.
- Step 2: Grading Condition - Judgment of condition is also a strong factor to value. Few high-grade examples are available, and they enjoy a strong collector's market.
- Step 3: Special Qualities - Collectors are drawn to certain subtle qualities found on these nickels.
| 1898 Nickel Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine |
Mint State |
| Liberty Nickel Value Updated | 2025 | |||
| 1898 | $2.21 | $11 | $43 | $107 |
Posted on the chart is a range of Wholesale values. Using a range is a conservative approach. Note: Demands within the coin market, plus condition, are fundamental to how much Liberty nickels are worth.
Step 1: Identify the Collectible Premium Nickel
A somewhat low mintage total is part of the allure of these 1898 Liberty nickels. Only 12.5 million were struck at the Philadelphia mint, the sole mint issuing nickels at the time. Combine the coin's age, 1890s date, modest mintage, and many collectors find this a popular series of coins to collect. A notable situation of the Liberty series is the strong increase in values depending on the quality of their surface.
First, verify the exact date, a requirement for accuracy in its description. Value charts and demand in the coin market focus initially on the dates of coinage.
Step 2: | Identify Correct Listing on the Chart Using a Grading Process
Images and Description Narrow 1898 Nickel Value
Any improvement above the appearance of heavy wear begins to identify a collectible quality 1898 nickel. Inspecting the condition of these old nickels refines different stages of wear into classification. These become "Grades" known within the hobby. Collectors and dealers use grades to give a full description of a coin. Grades describe how well the coin is preserved.
When judging surface condition, refer to the following descriptions pointing to key features needed to judge stages of wear. Images of the different grades are used to further "see" the changes to the surface. A couple of passes through the different grades avoids missing any small, important details.
Mint State Grade
Mint State: In Mint State grade of preservation, the surface of a Liberty nickel has not been worn at all. This becomes one of the most important factors to consider when determining the grade. These nickels' intricate design elements feature both high and low levels of contours. These allow the detection of subtle and minor signs of wear.
A raised contour of hair tied at the back of Liberty's head in relation to the rest of the design is an important part of the design to judge. Hair strands within this high profile area and their fine detail are the first to show signs of wear. Focus on the top edges of the hair strands while tilting the coin under a single source of light. Any wear creates smooth areas on the metal and dulls the coin's luster from the time it was struck.
Secondly, the very small details of the wheat grains, part of a large number of details above Liberty's headband, help identify a quality mint condition. These small grains retain their full, rounded, and lustrous appearance. A very high point of the design is the grains, which tend to show even the smallest amount of wear from circulation. Mint State is a significant grade for coin collectors and the coin market.
Extremely Fine Grade
Extremely Fine: A nickel in Extremely Fine grade has small traces of wear on the highest design elements, resulting in flattened areas. Overall, the coin is generally sharply detailed, except for an area just above Liberty's forehead showing some flatness. Because of minor wear, the coin's surface is a silver-gray in color, replacing the brilliance of luster, a higher quality shine.
Wheat grains and cotton bolls above the headband are now showing slight smoothing and loss of detail. Note a small smoothness and leveling of the hair bun and merged hair strand details. Adding an appeal, visible contours of her cheek and neck give the coin a bold appearance.
The majority of the surface is lightly worn, with only the delicate sheen being lost. In protected areas, examine the field in front of Liberty: only slight signs of wear and smoothness are visible.
Fine Grade
Fine Grade: A nice, appealing coin is one of the qualities displayed by the Fine grade condition. The amount of detail still present offsets some of the distraction caused by moderate wear. A measured amount of noticeable wear is part of recognizing and defining the grade. While the price of this 1898 nickel remains reasonable, achieving the grade requires certain characteristics.
Lettering of LIBERTY on the headband serves as a starting point for judging the coin's condition. Having all letters visible is one of the most important features indicating the Fine grade. The "I" is often found somewhat less bold due to its location at one of the highest contours of the design. The noticeable smoothness of the metal beneath the headband from the ear up to the forehead is restricting the grade from a higher range. Based on the amount of metal removed, this smoothness is a good representation of moderate wear. Few original hair lines remain.
Small but distinct lines representing the finer details of her hair waves behind her ear further enhance the eye appeal. Combining her hair detail with the level of detail in the wreath, strong wheat grains and cotton leaves, confirms this nickel is of Fine grade quality.
Good Grade
Good Grade: When the majority of small details within the central area of Liberty's portrait are missing, the condition is rated the Good grade.
Wear from circulation on Liberty's face, hair, and headband have completely smoothed over the original contours. A strong outline is all that remains. However, Liberty nickels must exhibit a few positives in order to remain as Good grade quality examples. It is important to note the outline of her portrait does not fade into the background of the coin. This frequently occurs at the back of her head. Confirm the completeness of the raised edge defining the portrait is full and bold.
Furthermore, all thirteen stars are visible and separate from the rim's inner edge. A coin with faded or missing stars, is a lower quality and less appealing to collectors. All key elements, including her portrait, stars, rim, and date, are clearly visible. A pleasing old nickel.
How to Video: Grading Liberty Nickels
Subtle differences in condition often cause a large difference in value. The detailed video, images, and descriptions explain how to grade these features.
Grading Liberty Nickels | How to Video and Descriptions
Step 3: | Special Qualities | Liberty Nickels Attract Many Collectors
Three Active Collecting Markets Support Solid Values
A certain degree of availability of these coins and the ability to afford them is important for any collectible to have worth. This is an important fundamental to value, supporting how much an 1898 nickel is worth. The entire Liberty nickel series is available to all stages of collecting levels. This results in keeping the series a popular and viable collection to pursue. These coins are not esoteric/obscure and so rare they become impossible to attract an active market.
Three tiers of collecting Liberty nickels are part of the market. High end, both in condition and values. A middle tier, collections of coins in a more moderate range of cost. The beginning tier, Liberty nickels popular because of affordable entry levels.
High Quality Liberty Nickel Collected by Specialist
High End Collections: These are pursued by experienced collectors. They study the coins by individual dates and pay attention to condition. Their research and in-depth knowledge of the series is a large part of the allure. Additions to the collection are based on their recognition of the coin's place in the top tier of quality.
Collectible Quality Mid-Range Premium Liberty Nickel
Above Average Quality Collections: A strong collector market is active in sets of Liberty nickels of a high-end quality. Coins are chosen to meet their budget and also satisfy a requirement of aesthetically pleasing quality. Top end lightly circulated coins, as well as Mint State examples, are all considered. Collectors develop a high level of understanding of quality preservation.
Eye Pleasing Quality as an Affordable Liberty Nickel
Beginning Collections: A special quality of the Liberty nickels series is the coin's appealing nature when heavily worn. Good grade examples of these nickels retain major design features in a bold level of "completeness." Liberty's portrait is well defined, with a complete rim, stars, and date. All combined, distinct features avoid the look of a "worn out" coin. Beginning a collection of Good grade examples leads to recognition of condition levels, familiarity with the series, and developing an eye for aesthetics. All at an affordable cost for most of the coins needed to complete the series.
An eye pleasing Liberty nickel, no matter the level of condition, enjoys an active market.
References
U.S. Mint. 1899 U.S. Mint Annual Report
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/514119
U.S. Mint. Catalogue of Coins of the United States.
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/554591
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