The Charles Barber design. Shield at center obverse with LIBERTY incused. Crossed poles behind support a Liberty cap and an eagle. E PLURIBUS UNUM is at the top rim, with stars seven left, six right. On the reverse a large 5 occupies the center, with CENTS below, an olive spring surrounding and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the rim. Struck in pure nickel with a plain edge.

According to an official report of the era, 15 different metallic compositions were used to strike the one and five cent patterns of 1896, with 10 pieces produced from each of the alloys. The five cent pieces were struck in standard 75%/25% nickel/copper alloy, as well as in various combinations of German silver alloy (copper, zinc, and nickel).

PR65 $3,450.00 (Jan 6, 2009 HA.com)

The Charles Barber design. Shield at center obverse with LIBERTY incused. Crossed poles behind support a Liberty cap and an eagle. E PLURIBUS UNUM is at the top rim, with stars seven left, six right. On the reverse a large 5 occupies the center, with CENTS below, an olive spring surrounding and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the rim. Struck in aluminum with a plain edge.

One of several experiments during the year with different metallic compositions. By 1896, pure aluminum was becoming much less expensive due to improvements in separating it from its many alloys, and it was therefore given more serious consideration as a viable metal for small-denomination coinage.

PR63 $2,185.00 (Jan 6, 2009 HA.com)

A choice example of this popular, late date Charles Barber pattern. The 1896 nickel patterns are a series that needs to be studied by a dedicated collector. Apparently quite a bit of experimentation went into these coins as pieces are known struck in standard coin nickel and at least six varieties of German silver, according to the USPatterns.com website.

PR64 Cameo $2,530.00 (Sep 27, 2007 HA.com)