Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 6/30/2025: Gold $3288 | Silver $36.10
1904 Nickel Value
Using a step-by-step method leads to evaluating date, condition, and special qualities of these Liberty series nickels. 1904 nickel value is directly connected and moves upward with an increase in quality of preservation.
Identifying important visible features that remain often leads to a quality nickel. Using the images below to recognize important qualities helps complete the process of how much an old nickel is worth.
Noted on the chart is the steady rise in value when following the method of identifying higher quality.
Steps Leading to Value:
- Step 1: Date Identified - Accuracy of a coin's description is necessary in the coin hobby. Reexamine the date for assurance.
- Step 2: Grading Condition - When comparing your coin to the grading images, descriptions point to deciding features.
- Step 3: Special Qualities - Protect the coin's value by preserving its quality.
| 1904 Nickel Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine |
Mint State |
| Liberty Nickel Value Updated | 2025 | |||
| 1904 | $1.80 | $4.62 | $24 | $70 |
Posted on the chart is a range of Wholesale values. Using these values 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: 1904 a Popular Date with New Collectors
Towards the later part of the Liberty nickel series, millions of these coins were minted on a yearly basis. Because of this, they are available today, providing a great opportunity to new collectors of the series. 1904 nickels are among the years where entry costs are affordable and remain popular when forming a collection of this era.
An accurate description of the coin includes the date and, as accomplished in the next step, a judgment of its condition.
Step 2: | Grading Condition is Accomplished with a Defined Process
Recognizing a Grade Category Determines 1904 Nickel Value
Grading the condition is when it is possible to realize a large increase in value. 1904 nickels are plentiful in lower condition with modest premiums. Identifying the Fine grade or a higher grade involves a close inspection to detect these elusive pieces. Fine details are the difference and deciding factor from one grade and value scale to the next.
Grades of coins are used in the hobby as a description of each stage of wear. Coins display distinct changes in visible features and wear patterns as the surface metal is worn and removed. Recognizing small details when judging, for example, fine lines in Liberty hair, any disconnected wear areas are significant to improvement in quality. Each image below represents a Grade and combined with the key factors outlined, identifies a close Grade match. An important aid helping "see" faint evidence of design is a single light source. Tilting the coin under the light allows the light to contrast any remaining but subtle features.
Mint State Grade
Mint State: When determining a coin's Mint State grade, the portrait of Liberty is the main focal point. No visible signs of wear to the surface is the definition of the grade and a strict requirement. An inspection starts with a close examination of Liberty's cheek and neck region, then moves on to the tiny details found within her hair strands.
Due to the exposed and unprotected position of Liberty's cheek, it is one of the first areas to confirm the metal has not been smoothed or dulled. Its delicate luster, a fine texture, reflects light, giving it the shine of a coin that never circulated and received wear. When examined closely, the surface of her cheek is uniform across both the upper areas and lower recesses. Compared to the lower line under the jaw, the surface of her cheek has a similar texture and shine.
Displayed within the portrait there are many waves of hair and individual strands highlighted by deep recesses. Part of the design is a complete roundness to the hair strands among the many contours and waves. Typically, nickel coins take on a grayish hue and develops small flattened spots when worn. Hair detail directly in front of the tie at the back of her head is a prime area to judge and inspect for any wear and dulling
Extremely Fine Grade
Extremely Fine: Extremely Fine grade examples of a Liberty nickel are a somewhat elusive coin to find. This condition represents a popular quality in the coin market. When viewing the coin, only a few light touches of wear are visible on the design's high points.
A small, worn, flat area in Liberty's hair bun at the back of her head is one feature used as an indicator of the grade. Located away from the center of the coin, this feature is also high in relief. A distinct smooth area within the hair strands is visible on the example. Displayed on the rest of Liberty's hair, as well as the coin's fields, is an overall smoothness to the strands and a soft gray color to the metal. Wear to both high and low surfaces results in this color change of the nickel.
Necessary to qualify for the grade, full letters of "Liberty" within the headband remain bold. Further, a small but important requirement, is the letter "I" is distinct, although it does show the most wear and is slightly less bold overall. Just below the band, hair detail, is just beginning to smooth and loose hair strand detail. This smooth metal is only a narrow area with detail to the left and right. No wide spread missing detail throughout the hair waves and single strands. When viewed overall, these quality coins are attractive and crisp in appearance.
Fine Grade
Fine Grade: Obvious wear and merging of major details are key indicators when recognizing the Fine grade. A noticeable amount of wear is present across the surface and remaining details. The hair above Liberty's forehead is a prominent feature of the design, but now lacks definition.
Her eyebrow has worn into a smooth, flat area extending deep into her hair and headband. This loss of metal is distinct, extending upward within the brow, hair, and headband, and helps determine the level of wear. Also, there are significant areas of missing and blended fine lines throughout the hair.
To stay in the Fine grade category, the headband must show all the letters of "LIBERTY." It is acceptable to show weakness in the "I"; however, the letter is complete. This condition is easily recognized by the contrast between the many details above the headband and the smooth metal below.
Good Grade
Good Grade: Featuring Liberty's portrait with a complete and defined edge, these nickels are a strong candidate for the Good grade of condition. Although heavily worn, this quality of coin has a clearly outlined Liberty, stars separate from the rim, and an easily readable, bold date.
Strong outlines to major features prevent the appearance from taking on a "worn out" look. The appeal of this coin is significantly improved by the absence of any discernible rim dings or marks. Coins of this quality, are nice examples of an older nickel series, they are relatively inexpensive, and often the starting point for new collectors.
How to Video: Grading Liberty Nickels
Areas on the reverse of these Liberty nickels are further examined when judging the complete condition. When viewing the video, attention is given to subtle features key to reaching higher grades.
Grading Liberty Nickels | How to Video and Descriptions
Step 3: | Special Qualities | Safe Handling and Storage
Valuable Nickels Easily Stored for the Long Term
Protection of these old Liberty nickels, from now going forward, is easily accomplished by two methods used widely in the coin hobby. Firstly, single coin holders protect the higher quality and premium pieces. Second, coin tubes to place multiple coins in a container designed specifically for these nickels.
Liberty Nickels Protected in Saflip Holders
Imaged is a very popular method to house, display, and protect individual coins. Saflip brand coin holders are non-reactive to coinage metals. Nickel, copper, silver, and gold, the primary metals used in coins, are safely stored within Saflip holders. Made of Mylar plastic and inert to these metals. Saflips provide an economical way of organizing coins. Their two pockets, fold over design, with your descriptive card in one is an attractive display of the coin. Now easily and safely handled and enjoyed.
Because values of old coins are directly connected to their condition, maintaining its current state of preservation is provided with a single coin holder.
Liberty Nickels Stored in Coin Tube
Multiple coins with a lower value are best served by restricting contact with each other. Quantities when placed into a coin tube are only resting on the rims, a raised area above the design elements. Sliding and abrading among the coins is eliminated when securely stacked. Pictured are two styles, a round and square tube. Both are hobby quality and inert to coin metals.
Nickels size tubes are featured here; however, coin tubes are sized in all denominations. It is a personal choice of a round or square tube, both are suitable. Your box of old coins no longer diminishes the overall condition of its contents with movements, handling, and with paper or cardboard, all not friendly to long term storage.
A more in-depth coverage of Safe Coin Storage presents a few of the alternatives popular with the coin hobby. By starting with Saflips and either of the tubes you have the basis to protect, display, and store any old coin. Your coins enjoy a stable, secure place to remain long term.
References
U.S. Mint. 1905 U.S. Mint Annual Report
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/514121
U.S. Mint. Catalogue of Coins of the United States.
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/554591
Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles
Date by Date
In Depth Liberty Nickel Values
1883 to 1912
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Many dates of the Liberty nickel series are worth a premium in all grades of condition. Complete list of dates and mint varieties are found on the value chart.
Print the Coin Values Worksheet
Record important data and comments for each coin. Compile descriptions and value while maintaining a written copy of the complete collection of your coins.
Grading Old Nickels | How to Video Series
Grades are used by collectors to define the different conditions of coins. These grades are based on specific states of preservation noted by inspecting features remaining within the design. Video, images, and descriptions point to key areas to judge when assigning a grade to the different series of U.S. nickels.
Selling Coins | A Defined Process
Many of these vintage nickels are potentially very valuable. Shield and Liberty series are a premium when following a defined process when time to sell. Use the resources to identify an accurate worth and listings of dealers to contact to receive market value.
★Coin Values Discovery finds 1904 Nickel Value and...
Charts covering Coin Values. Start here to follow a step-by-step method used to narrow a range of how much old coins are worth. All series and denominations of coins are covered with value charts, images to confirm dates, mintmarks, and condition. These are the key features to a complete evaluation.