The 1883 V-Nickel was first introduced without the word CENTS on the reverse. Of course this caused major confusion. The initial design used only a large Roman numeral “V” on the reverse, which led some examples to be gold plated and passed off as $5 pieces. The 1883 V-Nickel (with CENTS) was was quickly prepared and put into production adding the word CENTS to the reverse. Today both reverses of the 1883 V-Nickel are priced differently and both are needed to complete a collection.
The 1883 V-Nickel was minted with a new design. The obverse detailed Liberty wearing a crown with agricultural elements intertwined with her hair. Thirteen stars surround the image with the date below. On the reverse, the denomination is indicated by a large Roman numeral “V” surrounded by an agricultural wreath and inscriptions.