1883 Overdate WOVD-001

Description

An 1883/2 overdate on the Liberty Head Nickel "With CENTS" variety, this Wexler attribution documents one of the most historically significant nickels in American numismatics. The year 1883 was pivotal: Shield Nickels ended and Liberty Head Nickels debuted, but the initial design omitted "CENTS" from the reverse, leading to fraud as unscrupulous individuals gold-plated the nickel-sized coins to pass them as five-dollar gold pieces. The Mint quickly added "CENTS," creating two distinct 1883 sub-types. This overdate — where traces of an underlying 2 are visible beneath the final 3 — appears on the corrected "With CENTS" version. Cross-referenced across multiple attribution systems as Cherrypickers FS-05-1883-301, Fletcher F-08, and Spindel S1-5001, the variety's documentation in several references reflects its significance. The Cherrypickers' Guide listing places it among varieties considered worthwhile for collectors to search for in circulation or dealer stock. Multiple independent systems confirming the same overdate provide strong consensus for this die variety on a coin whose historical context already makes it a cornerstone of the nickel five-cent series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Not noted Cross References: Cherrypickers: FS-05-1883-301, Fletcher: F-08, Spindel: S1-5001
• Cherrypickers: FS-05-1883-301, Fletcher: F-08, Spindel: S1-5001; Wexler Variety ID: 1883 5¢ Shield WOVD-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References