1909 5c PR CAM

Key to Collecting: The 1909 Liberty Head nickel is a study in contrasts. The circulation-strike mintage of 11,583,763 is the lowest of any Philadelphia Mint issue after 1896. Today, the 1909 is the hardest to find of the later dates in gem Mint State. Interestingly, just the opposite is true of Proofs: this is the most plentiful single Proof issue of its type. Proofs can vary in quality.

Characteristics and Appearance: Quality varies, but most high-grade coins have good visual appeal. Striking sharpness ranges from average to Full Details. Finding an all-around high-quality coin can be a challenge. 3064 (Deep Cameo)— 9001,0001,5502,000 8,000

Characteristics and Appearance: Frosty cameo portrait and devices. Often lightly struck, with some stars showing lightness at the centers (although with separation of elements) and with a weak corn ear and nearby areas on the reverse to the left of the ribbon bow. Many Proofs of this year were made in haste.

Mintage and Distribution Notes: Public interest in minor coins, driven by the new Lincoln cent, accounts for the large mintage. Orders for cent and nickel Proofs were especially large, with the nickels likely being spent (or else not all distributed). Proofs are much scarcer than their mintage suggests.