1883 Racketeer Liberty Head Nickel Set
- Featuring an original 1883 “No Cents” Liberty Head Nickel richly layered by the Danbury Mint in 24kt gold — just like the “Racketeer” nickels that stopped the U.S. Mint in its tracks over 135 years ago!
- Also included is an 1883 “With Cents” Liberty Head Nickel that replaced the “Racketeer” Nickel just a few weeks later.
- Each coin is in very good circulated condition with most major design details visible and is protectively encapsulated in a crystal-clear case, allowing you the opportunity to safely examine both the front and back without fear of damage.
- A custom-crafted wooden display chest with locking lid included.
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In Stock
Legendary coins minted more than 135 years ago showcased in a deluxe wooden display chest.
Over 140 years ago in 1883, a nickel ignited a scandal that rocked the nation and forced the U.S. Mint to change the coin’s design almost immediately. The original 1883 Liberty Head Nickel was issued without the word “Cents” on the coin. Con men gold-plated the coins and passed them off as new $5 gold pieces. The 1883 Liberty Head Nickel and the $5 gold coin of this era were almost identical in size, so it was easy to mistake a gold-plated “No Cents” nickel for a $5 gold coin. The scam was shut down just weeks later when “Cents” was added to the reverse design on the nickel.
As a result, the “No Cents” nickel is one of the most notorious and scarce coins in U.S. history! Only about 25 percent of the first-year 1883 coins are the “No Cents” variety, and most of these coins were worn out in circulation or destroyed over a century ago. Known as the “Racketeer” nickel because of its notorious place in history, the few remaining coins are prized for their stunning history and their unique place in one of the most captivating tales in American coinage.
Product Specifications:
Coins Included: 1883 “No Cents” Liberty Head Nickel richly layered by the Danbury Mint in 24kt gold and an 1883 “With Cents” Liberty Head Nickel.
Display Material: Wooden
Display Size: 7” Wide x 5.5” Deep x 3” Tall (closed)
Item #:6059-0031
