PCGS MS66+
PCGS MS66+
- PCGS #:
- 3870
- Designer:
- Charles E. Barber
- Edge:
- Plain
- Diameter:
- 21.20 millimeters
- Weight:
- 5.00 grams
- Mintage:
- 11,585,763
- Mint:
- Philadelphia
- Metal:
- 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
- Auction Record:
- $7,800 • MS67 • 04-26-2020 • Heritage Auctions
Major Varieties
- 1909 5C
Rarity and Survival Estimates Learn More
| Survival Estimate | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 70,000 |
| 60 or Better | 1,250 |
| 65 or Better | 250 |
| Numismatic Rarity | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | R-2.3 |
| 60 or Better | R-4.9 |
| 65 or Better | R-6.6 |
| Relative Rarity By Type All Specs in this Type | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 21 / 32 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 9 / 32 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 11 / 32 TIE |
| Relative Rarity By Series All Specs in this Series | |
|---|---|
| All Grades | 21 / 33 TIE |
| 60 or Better | 9 / 33 TIE |
| 65 or Better | 11 / 33 TIE |
Condition Census What Is This?
#1 MS66+ PCGS grade
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#2 MS66 PCGS grade
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#2 MS66 PCGS grade
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#2 MS66 PCGS grade
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#2 MS66 PCGS grade
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#2 MS66 PCGS grade
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| #2 MS66 PCGS grade |
| #2 MS66 PCGS grade |
| #2 MS66 PCGS grade |
| #2 MS66 PCGS grade |
1909 saw a precipitous drop in the mintage of the Liberty Head Nickels -- to a level that had not been seen since the late 1890s. Even so, the mintage is large enough (11+ million coins) to make this a common date, though it sells for a tiny premium across most grade levels. As usual for this time period, the highest certified grades for this date stop at the MS66 level, and PCGS has certified only one MS66+ as their finest.
A look at the images above, where we illustrate six of the ten finest-known examples reveals the character of the 1909 Nickel. Most are very nicely struck, with nearly full details, and each possesses clean surfaces with exceptional luster ranging from frosty to brilliant. These qualities should be an attainable goal.