The 1889 V Nickel was an incredible design change which was hailed as magnificent. This 1889 V Nickel replaced the long-standing, production problematic, Shield Nickel. The 1889 V Nickel is widely collected by date and mint, though many do collect it simply by type. 1889 V Nickel Proofs were made are available. The United States 1889 V Nickel Five Cent reverse shows 5 for the value surrounded by 13 six-pointed stars representing the original 13 states. Around below, the denomination CENTS. A 1889 nickel is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint. The most popular five-cent coin is likely the buffalo nickel. Rare nickels benefit from revived demand among coin collectors, and though many of the most valuable nickels are no longer in circulation. To determine the value of your old nickels, the key dates and series to look for in the market.