1898 Liberty Head V Nickel obverse and reverse showing Liberty portrait and Roman numeral V

The 1898 Liberty Head Nickel Is Worth More Than You Think

One gem-quality example sold for $9,988 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions — yet most circulated 1898 nickels start at just a few dollars. The gap between a worn example and a true Gem Uncirculated specimen is enormous, and knowing the difference puts real money in your pocket. This guide covers every value tier, the two PCGS-designated repunched date varieties, grading tips, and where to sell.

★★★★★ Trusted by 1,247 collectors · Based on PCGS auction data · 2026 edition
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$9,988
Top auction record (MS-67, 2022)
12.5M
Business strikes, Philadelphia only
1,795
Proof strikes — genuinely scarce
7
Listed die varieties for this date

Free 1898 Nickel Value Calculator

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Step 1 — Mint Mark
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Step 3 — Known Error / Variety (optional)

If you're not yet sure about the mint mark or condition of your coin, there's a 1898 Liberty Nickel Coin Value Checker that lets you upload a photo and get an AI-assisted identification — a useful starting point before using the calculator above.

1898 Nickel RPD FS-301 Self-Checker

The FS-301 repunched date is the most sought-after variety on the 1898 Liberty nickel. Use this visual checker to see if your coin might qualify — a confirmed FS-301 in Gem condition has sold near $1,000.

Comparison of regular 1898 nickel date (left) versus RPD FS-301 variety showing repunched ghost digits (right)

Regular Strike — Common

  • Date digits are clean, single impressions with no ghosting
  • No secondary digit outlines visible beneath the primary numerals
  • All four numerals (1-8-9-8) show uniform depth and crispness
  • Value follows standard grade-based pricing for this date
— vs —

RPD FS-301 Variety — Collectible Premium

  • A secondary "8" or "9" impression is visible below or within the primary date
  • The ghost digit sits slightly offset (shifted north, south, or laterally)
  • Under a 10× loupe, the primary digit shows a distinct serif overlap at the base
  • PCGS-designated variety: look for the FS-301 or FS-014.49 attribution

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Everything You Need to Know

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🧮 Value Calculator 🔍 RPD FS-301 Check 📝 Describe Your Coin 📊 Value Chart ⚠️ Errors Guide 📈 Mintage Data 🔬 How to Grade 💰 Where to Sell

The Valuable 1898 Nickel Errors — Complete Guide

The 1898 Liberty Head nickel was struck only in Philadelphia, but the die-making process produced at least seven documented variety listings for this date. The most significant are PCGS-designated repunched date (RPD) varieties, caused when mint workers punched the date numerals into the working die more than once — leaving ghost impressions of earlier strikes visible to the trained eye. Here are the five most collector-relevant varieties in descending value order.

1898 Liberty nickel RPD FS-301 repunched date macro showing ghost digit impressions below primary date
MOST FAMOUS$100 – $1,000+

RPD FS-301 — 1898/189 Repunched Date

The FS-301 is the signature variety of the 1898 Liberty Head nickel, designated by PCGS under their FS (Fivaz-Stanton) variety numbering as FS-014.49 in the older system. It was created when the date punch was first set into the working die showing the partial digits "189" and then repunched in the correct final position, leaving the ghost of the earlier attempt visible beneath the final numbers.

Visually, the most diagnostic feature is a secondary "8" or partial "9" visible below and slightly offset from the primary date. Under a 10× loupe, the base serifs of the primary "9" and final "8" show distinct doubled outlines. The shift is most pronounced in the second and third digit positions, making it easy to confirm once you know exactly where to look.

This variety commands a significant premium over the regular strike at every grade level. In Circulated grades (VF–AU), examples sell for $150–$300 above the regular-strike baseline. In MS-65 Gem condition, a confirmed FS-301 has crossed $999 at auction — nearly double the regular MS-65 price. Collector demand is driven by the variety's PCGS designation, easy visual recognition, and its status as one of the two most significant 1898 RPD listings.

How to spot it

With a 10× loupe, examine the second and third date digits. Look for a secondary serif impression below the "9" and a ghost "8" base slightly south of the primary numeral. The offset is small but clear under raking light on a problem-free surface.

Mint mark

P — Philadelphia only (no mint mark on coin)

Notable

PCGS-designated FS-301 (formerly FS-014.49 by CONECA). An MS-65 CAC example sold for $999.95 in June 2025 per pricecharting.com sales data. Listed as one of just two PCGS Major Die Varieties for this date.

1898 Liberty nickel RPD FS-302 tripled date variety showing three overlapping date impressions under magnification
RAREST VARIETY$150 – $1,200+

RPD FS-302 — 1898/1898/1898 Tripled Repunched Date

The FS-302 is the second PCGS-designated die variety for the 1898 Liberty Head nickel, formerly listed as FS-014.495 in the older Fivaz-Stanton system. It is considered the rarer of the two PCGS-designated RPDs, resulting from not one but two additional date punches applied to the working die — creating a tripled impression of all four date numerals simultaneously.

Under magnification, all four numerals (1, 8, 9, 8) show multiple offset impressions layered atop one another. The tripling is most dramatically visible in the "8" digits, where three distinct numeral outlines create a stair-stepped or ghosted pattern. Unlike the FS-301 which shows a single repunch, the FS-302 presents a more complex and visually striking doubling pattern recognizable even at moderate magnification (5×–7×).

Certified examples are scarcer in the population reports than FS-301 coins, making this a genuinely low-population variety. Premium pricing applies at all grade levels, with gem examples especially prized by registry-set collectors pursuing the 1898 Liberty nickel varieties. Collectors seeking the FS-302 should always insist on third-party certification to confirm attribution.

How to spot it

Examine all four date digits under a 10× loupe in raking light. All four numerals show multiple ghost impressions layered at slight offsets. The "8" positions are most dramatic — look for three distinct numeral outlines arranged in a stair-step pattern north to south.

Mint mark

P — Philadelphia only (no mint mark on coin)

Notable

PCGS-designated FS-302 (formerly FS-014.495 by CONECA). Population is lower than FS-301 per PCGS registry. Considered the more dramatically visible of the two major 1898 RPD varieties at moderate magnification, which can aid quick identification in the field.

1898 Liberty nickel RPD-001 variety showing a secondary numeral 1 impression below the primary leading digit of the date
BEST KEPT SECRET$50 – $400

RPD-001 — 1898/1 Minor Repunched Date

The RPD-001 is a minor but recognized die variety for the 1898 Liberty Head nickel, catalogued in the libertynickels.org variety reference as variety #72 in the overall Liberty nickel series. Unlike the PCGS-designated FS-301 and FS-302, this variety has not received formal PCGS or NGC major designation, but it is well documented among Liberty nickel specialists and commands a modest collector premium.

The variety is identified by a secondary "1" impression visible below the primary leading "1" of the 1898 date. The ghost digit is shifted slightly downward or diagonally, creating a faint outline that reads as a partial extra "1" beneath the primary numeral. A 10× loupe is needed to confirm this variety definitively, and the feature is most visible on problem-free, higher-circulated to uncirculated examples where the coin's surface hasn't been obscured by wear or cleaning.

Collectors who specialize in Liberty nickel die varieties prize RPD-001 as a budget-accessible entry point compared to the FS-301 and FS-302. In Fine to EF condition, an attributed example brings $50–$150 above the regular-strike baseline. Uncirculated examples are considerably rarer and carry proportionally larger premiums. Attribution is typically done by specialist numismatists familiar with the libertynickels.org reference guide.

How to spot it

With a 10× loupe, focus on the leftmost "1" of the 1898 date. A secondary "1" impression appears below or at the lower-left of the primary numeral, slightly offset. The ghost digit's crossbar may be partially visible at the mid-height of the primary "1".

Mint mark

P — Philadelphia only (no mint mark on coin)

Notable

Catalogued as RPD-001 and variety #72 in the libertynickels.org Liberty nickel variety reference. Not PCGS-designated as a major variety, but recognized by Liberty nickel specialists. Attribution by a variety specialist is recommended for accurate identification before selling.

1898 Liberty Head nickel Proof coin showing deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices, in collector-grade condition
MOST VALUABLE TYPE$275 – $5,000+

1898 Proof Liberty Nickel — Collector Strike

The 1898 proof Liberty Head nickel is not a mint error but rather a deliberately produced collector coin struck by the Philadelphia Mint using specially prepared dies and planchets. With only 1,795 pieces struck — ranking this date 6th among the scarcest proof years in the Liberty nickel series — the 1898 proof is a genuinely low-mintage numismatic item that can be quite valuable in high grades.

Visual identification is straightforward for an experienced eye: proof coins show razor-sharp wire-edge rims, perfectly square and straight edges, deeply reflective mirror fields, and a frosted raised design (particularly Liberty's portrait and the large V on the reverse). The contrast between mirror fields and frosted devices defines the cameo and deep cameo designations that command the highest premiums.

In PR-63 condition, expect $275–$350. A PR-65 brings roughly $425–$650. Cameo examples (PR-65 Cam) command significantly more. Heritage Auctions has recorded PR-67 Cameo sales above $4,700, and a PR-67 Cameo NGC example sold for $13,800 in 2007 — reflecting the extreme rarity of Gem Cameo proof examples of this date. All genuine proofs should be certified by PCGS or NGC for confidence in attribution.

How to spot it

Examine under direct light for a fully mirrored field (you should see your reflection). The rim must be squared and wire-sharp, and the devices (Liberty portrait, date, V) should show a frosted, satiny texture contrasting against the mirror background. Business strikes will not show this mirror quality.

Mint mark

P — Philadelphia only (no mint mark on proof or business strike)

Notable

1,795 proof mintage ranks this among the scarcer proof Liberty nickels (6th of 31 proof years). Heritage Auctions recorded $13,800 for a PR-67 Cameo NGC in 2007. PCGS Population for PR-67 Cameo is in single digits — making deep cameo gems extremely rare.

1898 Liberty nickel RPD-004 variety showing repunched 8 with secondary digit impression visible within the primary date
COLLECTOR FIND$40 – $300

RPD-004 — 1898/8 Repunched 8

The RPD-004, listed as variety #75 in the libertynickels.org reference guide, is a minor repunched date on the 1898 Liberty Head nickel where the final "8" digit (or the second "8" in the date sequence) was repunched over itself at a slight offset — producing a doubled "8" impression. This variety falls in the category of minor die varieties that appeal to specialists rather than the general collector market.

Under 10× magnification, a secondary "8" impression appears within or adjacent to the primary "8" digit, typically showing a slight rotational or linear offset. The inner loops of the "8" are the best area to examine, as any doubling of the loop structure within the digit is a strong indicator of this variety. The effect may be subtle on worn examples, making problem-free AU or better examples much easier to attribute reliably.

This variety carries a modest premium over the regular 1898 strike, most appealing to Liberty nickel date-and-variety collectors building a comprehensive set. In circulated grades it represents an accessible entry — typically $40–$100 over the baseline — while a clean uncirculated example with confirmed attribution could bring $200–$300 above the regular MS price. Like RPD-001, this variety benefits greatly from specialist attribution or third-party certification with variety designation.

How to spot it

Under 10× magnification, examine the inner loops of the "8" digit(s) in the date. A doubled loop structure — where one or both of the inner circles of the "8" appears to have a faint secondary outline — indicates the RPD-004. Best confirmed on AU or uncirculated examples with clean surfaces.

Mint mark

P — Philadelphia only (no mint mark on coin)

Notable

Catalogued as RPD-004 and variety #75 in the libertynickels.org Liberty nickel variety reference. A minor variety without PCGS major designation, but recognized by CONECA and Liberty nickel specialists. Attribution via specialist examination or submission to PCGS or NGC variety attribution service recommended.

1898 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Historical view of the Philadelphia Mint circa 1898 where all 1898 Liberty Head nickels were produced
Issue Mintage Certified MS (PCGS/NGC/ANACS) Notes
1898 Business Strike (Philadelphia) 12,530,292 ~1,258 graded Only mint for nickels in 1898; no mint mark on coin
1898 Proof (Philadelphia) 1,795 ~877 graded (all grades) 6th scarcest proof year in the Liberty nickel series
Total 12,532,087 ~2,135 All struck at Philadelphia Mint
Coin Specifications: Designer — Charles E. Barber · Composition — 75% Copper, 25% Nickel · Weight — 5.00 grams · Diameter — 21.20 mm · Edge — Plain (smooth) · Series — Liberty Head Five Cents 1883–1912 · PCGS # 3859

Found a Variety on Your Coin?

An attributed RPD variety can be worth significantly more than a regular strike in the same grade. Use the calculator to estimate your coin's premium value.

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Describe Your 1898 Nickel for a Detailed Assessment

Tell us what you observe about your coin in plain language — our analyzer will match key details to known 1898 Liberty nickel characteristics and give you a tailored assessment.

Mention these things if you can

  • All letters visible in LIBERTY?
  • Any ghost/double digits in the date?
  • Does luster (shine) remain?
  • Coin has been cleaned or not?
  • Mirror-like fields (possible proof)?

Also helpful

  • Hair detail above Liberty's ear
  • Corn ear detail on reverse wreath
  • Any scratches, spots, or discoloration
  • Weight if you have a scale (should be 5.00g)
  • Has it been in a family collection?

1898 Nickel Value Chart at a Glance

For a deeper look at Liberty nickel grading standards and how surface preservation affects value at each tier, see this complete 1898 Liberty nickel identification guide and walkthrough. Values below reflect recent auction and dealer market data as of 2026.

Variety / Type Worn (G–F) Circulated (VF–AU) Uncirculated (MS-60–63) Gem (MS-64–65)
Regular Strike Base $4 – $20 $34 – $131 $160 – $250 $330 – $675
RPD FS-301 SIGNATURE $30 – $80 $100 – $300 $300 – $550 $600 – $1,000+
RPD FS-302 RAREST $40 – $100 $125 – $350 $350 – $650 $700 – $1,200+
RPD-001 (1898/1) $15 – $50 $60 – $200 $200 – $400 $350 – $700
RPD-004 (1898/8) $10 – $40 $50 – $150 $150 – $350 $300 – $600
Proof Strike (PR) N/A $200 – $350 $275 – $450 $500 – $5,000+

Values are estimates based on recent auction results and dealer pricing. Variety premiums assume third-party attribution by PCGS or NGC. Always get high-value coins professionally graded.

📱 CoinHix offers a fast on-the-go way to photograph your 1898 nickel and get an instant estimated value with condition and variety hints — a coin identifier and value app.

How to Grade Your 1898 Liberty Nickel

1898 Liberty nickel grading strip showing four condition tiers from Good (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated with luster)

Worn — Good to Fine (G–F)

Heavy to moderate wear has smoothed the high points of Liberty's portrait. In Good, only the outline of Liberty's head remains with the date visible and the rim intact. In Fine, all letters of LIBERTY are readable (though the "I" may be faint), hair detail above the ear begins to show, and the reverse wreath retains outlines. Value: $4–$20.

Circulated — VF to AU (VF–AU)

Very Fine examples show LIBERTY boldly, with more than half of Liberty's hair detail visible. Extremely Fine brings nearly all details out. About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58) coins retain at least 50–90% of original mint luster in protected areas, with wear only on the absolute highest points (hair above the ear, the cheek, the corn ears). Value: $34–$131.

Uncirculated — MS-60 to MS-63

No wear anywhere — but lower Mint State grades (MS-60/61) may have heavy bag marks, impaired luster, or a weak strike. MS-62 to MS-63 coins should show good luster with only scattered contact marks in non-focal areas. The corn ear detail on the reverse wreath and Liberty's hair curls above the ear are the first places an experienced grader checks for any trace of rub. Value: $160–$250.

Gem Uncirculated — MS-64 to MS-65+

Gem-quality 1898 nickels require blazing original luster, minimal contact marks, and — critically — a sharp strike. The corn kernels on the lower-left reverse wreath must show distinct separation. Hair curls above Liberty's ear must be fully defined. Strike quality is often the deciding factor between MS-64 and MS-65. The solitary MS-67 example (top-pop at PCGS) brought $9,988 at auction. Value: $330–$675+ (MS-66: $1,500+).

💡 Pro tip: Because the 1898 nickel's reverse design (particularly the corn ear at lower left) is directly opposite Liberty's fore curls on the obverse — the highest relief point — many examples show localized weakness in both spots even on uncirculated coins. This is a strike weakness, not wear. A sharp-strike MS-65 with fully separated corn kernels is worth meaningfully more than a flat-strike example at the same technical grade.

🔬 CoinHix lets you photograph your coin and cross-check the condition against graded reference examples from your phone — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1898 Liberty Nickel

The right venue depends on your coin's grade and whether it has been certified. High-grade or variety coins deserve specialist channels; circulated examples sell fine locally or on eBay.

🏛️ Heritage Auctions

Heritage is the world's largest numismatic auction house and has handled dozens of 1898 Liberty nickel sales including MS-66 and MS-67 certified examples. For any coin grading MS-65 or above, or a proof example, Heritage should be your first call. Consignors typically receive 80–85% of the hammer price after buyer's premiums are accounted for. Schedule a submission review on their website.

🛒 eBay

eBay is the most liquid marketplace for circulated and mid-grade 1898 nickels. Look at recently sold 1898 nickel listings and completed sale prices to benchmark your asking price before listing. Uncertified coins typically sell for 20–40% below certified equivalents — consider a PCGS or NGC submission first if your coin grades MS-63 or better.

🏪 Local Coin Shop (LCS)

A reputable local dealer offers the advantage of an immediate cash offer and no shipping risk. However, dealers typically pay 50–70% of retail value to build in their margin. Best suited for worn and circulated examples where shipping and auction fees would eat into proceeds. Get 2–3 quotes before selling — dealer prices vary significantly.

💬 Reddit r/Coins / PCGS Forums

Collector communities like r/coins4sale on Reddit or the PCGS message boards can connect you directly with Liberty nickel specialists willing to pay fair prices for attributed varieties. Particularly effective for RPD-001 and RPD-004 varieties that specialist dealers may overlook. Always use PayPal Goods & Services and ship insured when transacting with private buyers.

Get it graded first (MS-63 and above): Submitting to PCGS or NGC before selling typically costs $25–$50 per coin but can add hundreds to the selling price for any 1898 nickel grading MS-63 or better. Certified coins consistently outperform raw examples at auction and on eBay. For variety attribution (RPD FS-301 or FS-302), request a variety designation on your submission form — this prints the variety label on the slab and directly signals premium value to buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions — 1898 Nickel Value

How much is a 1898 nickel worth?
A worn 1898 Liberty Head nickel in Good condition is worth roughly $4–$7. In Fine condition, expect $10–$20. Uncirculated examples (MS-60 range) bring $130–$190. Gem Uncirculated MS-65 coins sell for $575–$700, and the lone MS-67 example set an auction record of $9,988 in 2022 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions.
What makes a 1898 nickel valuable?
Condition is the primary driver of value for the 1898 Liberty Head nickel. The coin was struck only in Philadelphia with a mintage of about 12.5 million, making it moderately available. However, high-grade Gem examples are genuinely scarce. Known error varieties — especially the PCGS-designated RPD FS-301 and FS-302 repunched date varieties — add a premium on top of the base grade value.
What is the 1898 nickel RPD FS-301 variety?
The RPD FS-301 (formerly FS-014.49) is a repunched date variety on the 1898 Liberty Head nickel where the underlying digits of a prior date punch are visible beneath the final date. The most diagnostic sign is remnants of an '8' or '9' visible just below or within the primary date numerals. In MS-65 condition, this variety has sold near $1,000, a significant premium over regular-strike examples.
How do I know if my 1898 nickel is uncirculated?
An uncirculated 1898 Liberty nickel must show absolutely no wear on its highest points: the hair above Liberty's ear, the cheek, and the corn ears on the reverse wreath. Under a single light source, rotate the coin to look for complete, unbroken cartwheel luster. Any flat, dull spot on a high point indicates circulation wear. Bag marks (contact marks from other coins) are acceptable at lower Mint State grades like MS-60 to MS-62.
Are 1898 proof nickels valuable?
Yes. Only 1,795 proof 1898 Liberty nickels were struck, making them genuinely scarce. In PR-63 condition, expect $275–$350. A PR-65 example is worth roughly $425–$650. Cameo Proof examples (PR-67 Cameo) have realized over $4,700 at Heritage Auctions. The proof's sharp mirrored fields and frosted devices make it visually distinct from business strikes.
What is the 1898 nickel made of?
The 1898 Liberty Head nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the same alloy used throughout the Liberty Head (V Nickel) series from 1883 to 1912. It weighs exactly 5.00 grams and measures 21.20 millimeters in diameter. The edge is plain (smooth). The coin was designed by Charles E. Barber, the U.S. Mint's chief engraver.
Where was the 1898 nickel minted?
All 1898 Liberty Head nickels were struck at the Philadelphia Mint — the only mint producing nickels during that era. Philadelphia coins of this period carry no mint mark, so the lack of a mint mark on your coin is normal and expected. The total business strike mintage was 12,530,292 coins, plus 1,795 specially struck proof coins for collectors.
How do I spot a repunched date on a 1898 nickel?
A repunched date (RPD) on the 1898 nickel appears as ghost or secondary impressions of digits beneath the final date numerals. Use a 10× loupe and examine the '1', '8', '9', and '8' digits carefully. On the FS-301 variety, look for remnants of an earlier '8' or '9' below or within the primary date. The FS-302 variety shows a tripled date punch — three sets of digits overlapping at the numerals.
What is the highest grade ever given to a 1898 nickel?
According to PCGS CoinFacts, the finest known 1898 Liberty Head nickel is graded MS-67, and it is unique in that grade — just one example has ever been certified at that level by PCGS. This coin sold for $9,988 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions on April 28, 2022. An MS-67 represents virtually perfect surfaces, blazing luster, and a sharp strike — an extraordinary standard for any late-19th-century coin.
Should I clean my 1898 nickel before selling it?
Never clean a 1898 nickel or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes original mint luster and leaves microscopic hairlines that are immediately visible to experienced collectors and graders. A cleaned coin can lose 30–70% of its value compared to an untouched example in the same grade. If your coin has original patina or even light corrosion, leave it as-is and let a professional numismatist or grading service evaluate it first.

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