1883 5C No CENTS Liberty Nickel - Type 1 No "CENTS" PCGS MS66 (CAC)

A first-year “Racketeer Nickel” in certified Gem condition, this 1883 Liberty Head Nickel (Type 1, No CENTS) is graded PCGS MS66 and approved by CAC—an elite combination prized by both advanced registry participants and type collectors. Struck in Philadelphia during the dramatic design transition of 1883, this piece represents the short‑lived reverse that famously omitted the word CENTS beneath the large Roman numeral V. Historical significance In 1883 the U.S. Mint replaced the Shield Nickel with Charles E. Barber’s Liberty Head design. The reverse featured a wreath and bold “V,” but initially omitted “CENTS,” placing “E PLURIBUS UNUM” below instead. Opportunists gold-plated the new nickels and passed them as $5 pieces, leading the Mint to restore “CENTS” later that same year—creating two major varieties. The No CENTS type offered here is the storied “Racketeer Nickel,” an essential issue for any 19th‑century U.S. set. Why this coin stands out Gem grade: PCGS MS66 indicates superior strike and luster with minimal marks, far above typical survivors. CAC approval: Endorses premium quality for the assigned grade, enhancing liquidity and collector confidence. Registry appeal: A choice example of a key subtype, ideal for Liberty Head Nickel or Type collections. Population and rarity PCGS Population in MS66: 551 PCGS Finer: 134 These figures underscore how select MS66 CAC examples remain, especially attractive against the steep drop-off at still higher grades. At-a-glance details Date/Denomination: 1883 Liberty Head (V) Nickel, Type 1 No “CENTS” Mint: Philadelphia Certification: PCGS MS66; CAC Approved PCGS Cert: 5474300 Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel Diameter/Weight: 21.2 mm; 5.00 g Designer: Charles E. Barber Collector notes A classic conversation piece with documented historical lore, combining first‑year issue status, a short‑lived reverse, and top‑tier third‑party validation. Equally compelling as a standout type coin or an upgrade for high‑end Liberty Nickel sets. Keywords: 1883 Liberty Nickel, No CENTS, Type 1, Racketeer Nickel, V Nickel, PCGS MS66, CAC, Philadelphia, Barber, rare coin, U.S. five cents