When
first minted in 1883, the large roman numeral "V"
on the reverse was the only mark of the coin's denomination.
As a result, some unscrupulous people gold-plated the coins
and passed them off as $5 gold pieces. To prevent such fraud,
later that same year the Mint added the word "cents"
to the reverse.
Designed
by Mint Engraver Charles E. Barber, the coins are comprised
of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The obverse features a head
of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. |