1907

Augustus Saint-Gaudens's new designs for the $10 Indian and $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coins entered production in 1907, beginning the Renaissance of American Coinage that would eventually replace the Liberty Head nickel itself. Saint-Gaudens had been commissioned personally by Theodore Roosevelt to redesign the gold coinage, and the sculptor's high-relief designs (modified for production by Charles Barber in a well-documented clash between artist and Chief Engraver) marked the first serious aesthetic upgrade of American coinage since Christian Gobrecht's 1830s work. The Liberty Head nickel still had six years of production ahead in 1907, but its days as the standard American nickel were being counted.

Philadelphia delivered 39,214,800 Liberty Head nickels during the year, another record year for the series as production continued climbing toward its all-time peak. The coin is abundant at every grade level and presents no challenges for collectors. Circulated examples are common at minimal premiums, Mint State pieces are routinely available, and Gem-quality 1907 nickels can be acquired at modest prices.

The Panic of 1907 struck in October, when a failed attempt by F. Augustus Heinze to corner the copper market triggered runs on New York banks and trust companies. J.P. Morgan organized private rescue operations that saved the Trust Company of America and the Knickerbocker Trust (the latter failed anyway), and the crisis subsided within weeks. The panic's monetary effects contributed to the eventual passage of the Federal Reserve Act in 1913, the same year the Liberty Head nickel was replaced by Fraser's Buffalo design.

For collectors building complete Liberty Head date sets, the 1907 is a straightforward acquisition. The record-year mintage ensures abundant supply at every grade level.