Three Coins

I found three more coins while going through things at my parents' house. This trio was factory-sealed in a little clear-plastic bag, and apparently sent to them by some company. The writing that was printed on the bag had almost completely worn-off and was illegible, so I don't know the story behind the coins, whether the set was ordered by them or given as a "free gift" of some sort. The three coins are:

• 1937-P Buffalo Nickel, type II reverse
• 1902 Indian Head Cent, type II reverse
• 1897 Liberty Head Nickel, type II reverse

The Buffalo Nickel shown here is in amazingly good condition! This coin was prone to heavy wear while it was in circulation, so finding a coin in this condition is rather rare. Not only is the date very clear and sharp but the "F" mark beneath the date is also clearly visible, honoring the man who designed the coin: American sculptor James Earle Fraser. This was quite a remarkable thing to find! I won't say any more about the coin, though, as I have already written about Buffalo & Hobo Nickels last year — check out that post for more information!

Next up is a 1902 Indian Head Cent, designed by James Barton Longacre, who served as Chief Engraver for the US MInt. This coin was produced from 1859–1909, sporting a laurel wreath on the reverse the first year and an oak wreath with shield in subsequent years.

Lastly, there is a heavily-worn Liberty Head Nickel, often called the "V-Nickel" because of the Roman Numeral "V" (for "five") on the back of the coin. Sadly, this coin is in poor condition, especially on the reverse side, so the "V" does not show in photos. In fact, it is almost indiscernible to the eye, and completely disappears with any magnification whatsoever. The lighting has to be perfect, too, for even part of the ghostly "V" to be faintly glimpsed.

I will hold off writing more about the Liberty Head Nickel for now, as I am in the middle of cleaning-out my now-deceased parents' house and have been very busy lately. Also, according to a note I found, there might be a few of these in the Safe Deposit Box at the bank. Once I have access to it and can retrieve what is there, more photos might be forthcoming (if the note I found is accurate).