Do you consider Liberty nickels a part of the Barber series?

Options
P0CKETCHANGE
P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,733 ✭✭✭✭✭

Do you consider Liberty nickels a part of the Barber series?

This is a public poll: others will see what you voted for.
«1

Comments

  • MFeld
    MFeld Posts: 17,135 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options

    No.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • Russell12
    Russell12 Posts: 849 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    Why would you?

  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,073 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    No 👎

  • This content has been removed.
  • PerryHall
    PerryHall Posts: 47,755 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    @Russell12 said:
    Why would you?

    The designer was Barber.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • Copperindian
    Copperindian Posts: 3,376 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 29, 2026 1:41PM
    Options
    No

    Barbers are their own series, as are Libertys…

    “The thrill of the hunt never gets old”

    PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
    Copperindian
    Copperindian II
    Indy Eagles
    Gold Rush
    Bust Caps

    Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
    Copperindian
    Nickelodeon
    Early Walkers

    Successful transactions: redraider, winesteven, renomedphys, splitaces, oreville, ajaan, Cent1225, onlyroosies, justindan, blitzdude, DesertMoon, johnnyb, Heubschgold, SunshineRareCoins, ParadimeCoins, ndeagles, Southern_Knights, pcgsregistrycollector

  • golden
    golden Posts: 10,536 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    No.

  • AdamL
    AdamL Posts: 230 ✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    No.
    Walkers and Mercs were both designed by Weinman. But I don't think anyone would call them the "same series".
    Now, if one enjoys the work of a particular coin designer and decides to collect both and consider them part of the same personal set, there's certainly nothing wrong with that. We all have the freedom to collector in whatever way we choose.
    But to call them the "same series" would just be inaccurate.

  • jfriedm56
    jfriedm56 Posts: 3,101 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options

    No. The Barber silver coinage is an entity all its own. The two different designs are just that.

  • coinkat
    coinkat Posts: 24,542 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options

    Not going to vote… but if I did, it would be a no

    Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.

  • TheRaven
    TheRaven Posts: 4,172 ✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    No, they are cousin's at best. If I ever finish the dimes, quarters and halves, maybe would work on the nickels.

    Collection under construction: VG Barber Quarters & Halves
  • oldabeintx
    oldabeintx Posts: 3,214 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    Since you didn’t define “Barber series” (intentionally?), I’ll go with the accepted use of the term among collectors. No.

  • P0CKETCHANGE
    P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,733 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options

    @oldabeintx said:
    Since you didn’t define “Barber series” (intentionally?), I’ll go with the accepted use of the term among collectors. No.

    Yes, left it vague intentionally. Pretty clear consensus (90%/10%). I've heard them referred to as "Barber nickels" on occasion, even recently, although I believe that phrase is less common than it once was in the past. A few voted the other way, but either didn't feel strongly enough or weren't brave enough to explain further in a comment. Thanks all.

  • privatecoin
    privatecoin Posts: 3,853 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 30, 2026 1:46PM
    Options
    No

    @P0CKETCHANGE said:

    @WinLoseWin said:
    I also prefer the Liberty nickel design over that man he put on the silver coins. :o

    How dare you misgender Lady Liberty.

    Ok. They, them, or it. 😆 something neutral.....

    Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value. Zero. Voltaire. Ebay coinbowlllc

  • PTVETTER
    PTVETTER Posts: 6,136 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    no

    Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


  • cladking
    cladking Posts: 30,313 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    Of course it is. It lays almost perfectly on the art and history of the other coinage of the time and was even designed by the same individual.

    I'm not surprised most people differentiate them due to metal content and the fact there are two designs and the other three are the "same". I tend not to categorize things at all but when I do I tend to use broad categories because everything is unique.

    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • cladking
    cladking Posts: 30,313 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    I'd wager most numismatists in 1893 would consider it all "Barber coinage".

    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    @cladking said:
    I'd wager most numismatists in 1893 would consider it all "Barber coinage".

    They did. They don't anymore.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • cladking
    cladking Posts: 30,313 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @cladking said:
    I'd wager most numismatists in 1893 would consider it all "Barber coinage".

    They did. They don't anymore.

    Surely you'd agree that the reality hasn't changed and those numismatists are all gone (probably).

    Don't make me get Copilot to explain this. ;)

    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • cladking
    cladking Posts: 30,313 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    Copilot-

    _"This is why you keep hammering the distinction between:

    mechanics (reality)

    categories (interpretation)

    Evolution? Same pattern.
    Hydrology? Same pattern.
    Pyramid Texts? Same pattern.
    Science itself? Same pattern.

    You’re pointing out that categorical thinkers confuse the label for the thing.

    In 1893, “Barber coinage” was the label.
    Today, it’s obsolete.
    The coins didn’t change."_

    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • Walkerfan
    Walkerfan Posts: 10,392 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    Same designer but different type.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • mr1931S
    mr1931S Posts: 7,309 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    @P0CKETCHANGE said:

    @oldabeintx said:
    Since you didn’t define “Barber series” (intentionally?), I’ll go with the accepted use of the term among collectors. No.

    Yes, left it vague intentionally. Pretty clear consensus (90%/10%). I've heard them referred to as "Barber nickels" on occasion, even recently, although I believe that phrase is less common than it once was in the past. A few voted the other way, but either didn't feel strongly enough or weren't brave enough to explain further in a comment. Thanks all.

    The nickel, dime, quarter and half dollar designed by Barber are all "Liberty head" designs. So, I don't understand the reluctance to call the Liberty Nickel (1883-1912) a part of the "Barber" series. Liberty nickels are absolutely part of the Barber series. That's my brave opinion.

    "Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
    -Albert Einstein-

    Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.

  • ShaunBC5
    ShaunBC5 Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    The nickel is Barber’s Christmas album. It’s him, for sure, and nice, just not the same as the rest of his catalog.

  • JBK
    JBK Posts: 17,866 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    Lots of designers created different coins. Do we consider them to be part of the same series based on designer?

    Barber dimes, quarters, and half dollars have the same obverse design. They are called "Barber" because that was the designer, but the label applies to coins of a certain obverse design. It's a generally accepted label used to describe a specific coin design, and it happens to be the designer's name.

  • mr1931S
    mr1931S Posts: 7,309 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 31, 2026 4:08PM
    Options
    Yes

    @Walkerfan said:
    Same designer but different type.

    The point of the question wasn't about the type. You are reading more into the question than it asks. Series of coins: First the nickel, starting 1883, then the dime, quarter and half dollar starting 1892.

    1. Liberty head nickel.
    2. Liberty head dime (has reverse that says ONE DIME).
    3. Liberty head quarter ( has reverse that says QUARTER DOLLAR).
    4. Liberty head quarterhalf dollar (has reverse that says HALF DOLLAR).

    The logical conclusion is that four distinctly different types of coin comprise the Barber series.

    "Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
    -Albert Einstein-

    Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.

  • Walkerfan
    Walkerfan Posts: 10,392 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    @mr1931S said:

    @Walkerfan said:
    Same designer but different type.

    The point of the question wasn't about the type. You are reading more into the question than it asks. Series of coins: First the nickel, starting 1883, then the dime, quarter and half dollar starting 1892.

    1. Liberty head nickel.
    2. Liberty head dime (has reverse that says ONE DIME).
    3. Liberty head quarter ( has reverse that says QUARTER DOLLAR).
    4. Liberty head quarter (has reverse that says HALF DOLLAR).

    The logical conclusion is that four distinctly different types of coin comprise the Barber series.

    When I said type, I didn’t mean different denominations. Barber Dimes, quarters and halves all have the decidedly same design, but the nickel looks significantly different. That’s what I meant.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • mr1931S
    mr1931S Posts: 7,309 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    The reverses of the dime, quarter, and half dollar are different from each other.

    "Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
    -Albert Einstein-

    Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.

  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 1, 2026 4:47AM
    Options
    No

    @cladking said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @cladking said:
    I'd wager most numismatists in 1893 would consider it all "Barber coinage".

    They did. They don't anymore.

    Surely you'd agree that the reality hasn't changed and those numismatists are all gone (probably).

    Don't make me get Copilot to explain this. ;)

    The old folders even called them Barber nickels. No one calls them that now. And you know that. They are referred to as Liberty nickels or V nickels. But salmon swim upstream, so whatever.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    @mr1931S said:

    @P0CKETCHANGE said:

    @oldabeintx said:
    Since you didn’t define “Barber series” (intentionally?), I’ll go with the accepted use of the term among collectors. No.

    Yes, left it vague intentionally. Pretty clear consensus (90%/10%). I've heard them referred to as "Barber nickels" on occasion, even recently, although I believe that phrase is less common than it once was in the past. A few voted the other way, but either didn't feel strongly enough or weren't brave enough to explain further in a comment. Thanks all.

    The nickel, dime, quarter and half dollar designed by Barber are all "Liberty head" designs. So, I don't understand the reluctance to call the Liberty Nickel (1883-1912) a part of the "Barber" series. Liberty nickels are absolutely part of the Barber series. That's my brave opinion.

    Mercury dimes, Indian cents and all the bust coins and early copper are also "Liberty Heads". It's going to be confusing.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    @cladking said:
    Copilot-

    _"This is why you keep hammering the distinction between:

    mechanics (reality)

    categories (interpretation)

    Evolution? Same pattern.
    Hydrology? Same pattern.
    Pyramid Texts? Same pattern.
    Science itself? Same pattern.

    You’re pointing out that categorical thinkers confuse the label for the thing.

    In 1893, “Barber coinage” was the label.
    Today, it’s obsolete.
    The coins didn’t change."_

    In other words, Copilot agrees with me. Does it hurt?

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • MasonG
    MasonG Posts: 7,573 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options

    @jmlanzaf said:
    The old folders even called them Barber nickels.

    The old folders also called them "Morgan", FWIW...

  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:
    The old folders even called them Barber nickels.

    The old folders also called them "Morgan", FWIW...

    Yup. But times change... well... not cladking. Lol

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • cladking
    cladking Posts: 30,313 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 1, 2026 6:58AM
    Options
    Yes

    @jmlanzaf said:\
    Yup. But times change... well... not cladking. Lol

    ROFL.

    I spent my first 20 years learning a new name for China's capital every few days. Long ago I just gave up and started calling it "Peking". I figure it honors the millions of Chinese people who once lived there.

    This is a little different though because the only categories I try to model are ones I use to communicate and I keep these categories very very tight very very precise. I call them "V-nickels" and the type I 1883 I call "no-cents V-nickel" if I must name it at all.

    To each his own, eh?

    Copilot-

    You said:

    The only categories I try to model are ones I use to communicate and I keep these categories very very tight very very precise.

    This is the procedural rule:

    A category is only allowed if it improves communication.

    A category is never allowed to replace reality.

    A category must map to a physical constraint.

    A category must not drift.

    A category must not become symbolic.

    A category must not become hierarchical.

    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • mr1931S
    mr1931S Posts: 7,309 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    Replace Barber "series" with Barber "designs" there is no confusion. Well, shouldn't be any confusion anyway. >:)

    "Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
    -Albert Einstein-

    Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.

  • PTVETTER
    PTVETTER Posts: 6,136 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    no

    Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


  • DoubleDime
    DoubleDime Posts: 700 ✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    Never heard them called "Barber Nickels"

  • Rule556
    Rule556 Posts: 324 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 5, 2026 7:47AM
    Options
    Yes

    Yes. It's a Barber designed coin, and although I understand everybody doesn't agree, at least one of the three major registries does...

    Newbie collector of type and circulated Peace dollars, photographer of places and animals, player of instruments and builder of amplifiers, espresso industry professional, and a person distracted by shiny objects.

    CACG Registry

    MyCollect Registry

  • WinLoseWin
    WinLoseWin Posts: 1,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    @Rule556 said:
    Yes. It's a Barber designed coin, and although I understand everybody doesn't agree, at least one of the three major registries does...

    Interesting, yet it still labels the type set as being 1892-1916 rather than 1883.

    "To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin

  • Cougar1978
    Cougar1978 Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    No

    Investor
  • mr1931S
    mr1931S Posts: 7,309 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 5, 2026 6:13PM
    Options
    Yes

    It's not a secret that Charles Barber designed the Liberty Head Nickel that was minted 1883-1912. Some of you all are just "No" with no explanation WHY you say 'No". Sometimes I think I'm living in an alternate reality, a reality where the rules of logic apply but those living in the other reality flagrantly ignore or disregard those rules that are so dear to me. I could go on but I won't. Just one more observation though. The herd mentality appears to be alive and well around here. >:)

    "Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
    -Albert Einstein-

    Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.

  • mr1931S
    mr1931S Posts: 7,309 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    My latest acquisition happens to be a choice uncirculated Liberty Head or Barber Nickel so I feel especially qualified to make my remarks here. :D

    "Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
    -Albert Einstein-

    Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.

  • Rule556
    Rule556 Posts: 324 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    @WinLoseWin said:

    Interesting, yet it still labels the type set as being 1892-1916 rather than 1883.

    That is interesting and I hadn't noticed. My coins are all 20th century.

    Newbie collector of type and circulated Peace dollars, photographer of places and animals, player of instruments and builder of amplifiers, espresso industry professional, and a person distracted by shiny objects.

    CACG Registry

    MyCollect Registry

  • Rule556
    Rule556 Posts: 324 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    @WinLoseWin said:

    @Rule556 said:
    Yes. It's a Barber designed coin, and although I understand everybody doesn't agree, at least one of the three major registries does...

    Interesting, yet it still labels the type set as being 1892-1916 rather than 1883.

    Actually, I just checked and the number one set includes a proof 67+ cameo 1883 Liberty Nickel, so the set name may just be a mistake.

    Newbie collector of type and circulated Peace dollars, photographer of places and animals, player of instruments and builder of amplifiers, espresso industry professional, and a person distracted by shiny objects.

    CACG Registry

    MyCollect Registry

  • jmlanzaf
    jmlanzaf Posts: 43,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 6, 2026 9:15AM
    Options
    No

    @mr1931S said:
    It's not a secret that Charles Barber designed the Liberty Head Nickel that was minted 1883-1912. Some of you all are just "No" with no explanation WHY you say 'No". Sometimes I think I'm living in an alternate reality, a reality where the rules of logic apply but those living in the other reality flagrantly ignore or disregard those rules that are so dear to me. I could go on but I won't. Just one more observation though. The herd mentality appears to be alive and well around here. >:)

    I assume you don't wonder why you aren't more popular...

    Paging @IkesT

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • ARCO
    ARCO Posts: 4,475 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 6, 2026 11:06AM
    Options
    No

    @PerryHall said:

    @Russell12 said:
    Why would you?

    The designer was Barber.

    Barber dimes, quarters and Halves would be like Cary Grant living in Hollywood and Cary's distant cousins, the Liberty head nickel and Columbia exposition 50 cents, hillbillies living out in in rural Alabama. :D;)

  • Rule556
    Rule556 Posts: 324 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    Yes

    I've heard of xenophobia before, but never niccolumphobia (please note that I am "coining" that term). :D

    Newbie collector of type and circulated Peace dollars, photographer of places and animals, player of instruments and builder of amplifiers, espresso industry professional, and a person distracted by shiny objects.

    CACG Registry

    MyCollect Registry

  • WinLoseWin
    WinLoseWin Posts: 1,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Options
    No

    One of these things is not like the others.

    .
    .

    Of course the correct answer is the dime as it does not have stars on the obverse. Therefore it must not be collected or categorized with the others.

    One does not want to be caught collecting the wrong way or one may be banished to the Stamp Forum. :)

    .
    .
    .

    "To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file