Why were there two types of a given denomination produced during certain years?

dan1ecu

There are several examples of years in which two types of a denomination were produced. In 1909 they made Indian Head cents and Lincoln cents. In 1883 they produced both Liberty nickels and Shield nickels. Why did they not choose to wait until the start of a new year before minting coins with a new design?

While we’re on the subject, why did they only make five Liberty nickels in 1913? Who were these pieces intended for?

Dan

mdwoods

It looks as though the long standing tradition of not having portraits of actual people on coins was finally over weighed by the publics opinion about the 100th Anniverysary of Lincolns birth. I think it was a rush job to get the Lincoln cent ready and in production for 1909.
There were not supposed to be any 1913 Liberty Nickels struck. I am not well read in the story, but maybe they should be considered patterns.

GDJMSP

Read these -

Coin Gallery - 1913 Liberty Head

Coin Facts - 1913 Liberty Head