Counterfeit Detection: 1894 Liberty V Nickel

NGC - Both sides of this coin offer clues that it isn't genuine.

NGC graders are accustomed to seeing altered mint marks and counterfeits in the Buffalo nickel series. On the other hand, counterfeits are much less commonly seen in the Liberty nickel series. However, one was recently seen on a submission to NGC.

The coin is a facsimile of an 1894, the second most valuable date in the series. It is most likely a transfer-die counterfeit, made using a die copied from another coin.


Genuine 1883 Liberty nickel (left) and a fake 1894 (right)

The counterfeit caught by NGC was not particularly deceptive. Above are the obverses of a genuine Liberty nickel on the left and the fake on the right. The counterfeit has much softer details overall, which is especially noticeable when you look closer.


Genuine 1883 Liberty nickel (left) and a fake 1894 (right)

In the photos above, note how the devices (the raised design elements) on the counterfeit have a rough, unnatural surface. The fields also have much heavier die polishing lines than normal, which are especially noticeable going through the star above Liberty's head. This polishing gives the coin an odd, unnatural luster that would not be seen on a genuine US Mint product. Additionally, note the low level of detail compared to the genuine piece. The stars look like blobs on the fake, and the fine hair detail is all but non-existent.


Genuine 1883 Liberty nickel (left) and a fake 1894 (right)

The reverse suffers from the same soft details as the obverse, especially around the periphery. Notice how sharp and well-defined the word "CENTS" is on the genuine example, whereas on the fake it melts into the field. As was the case on the obverse, the reverse devices are pimpled and the fields have incorrect luster and odd, heavy die-polish lines. These lines, which resemble die scratches, are especially noticeable above the denomination.


Close-up of the odd lines and porous devices of the not genuine example

Although NGC graders do not often see counterfeit Liberty nickels, numismatists must constantly be vigilant when examining any coin.

Read More: Counterfeit Detection Series

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