Liberty Head nickels were made from 1883 to 1912.
For the same reason any other nickel was made - to provide coins for commerce.
All Liberty Head nickels (1883-1912) are made from 75% copper & 25% nickel.
Please check again and post a new question: > Buffalo nickels were made from 1913 to 1938. An 1899 nickel would have a picture of Miss Liberty on the front and the Roman numeral V (= 5) on the back. > All nickels except those from WWII (1942-45) are made of copper-nickel, not silver. > There's no coin called a "buffalo head" nickel. The names are either an Indian Head nickel or a buffalo nickel.
Indian head nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938. An 1899 nickel would be a Liberty nickel. Please check again and post a new, separate question.
The 1899 Liberty Head nickel is very common, most show heavy wear and are valued at $1.00-$3.00 depending on condition.
75% copper and only 25% nickel, the same composition used since 1866 except during WWII. The only US nickels that contained any silver were special "war nickels" minted from late 1942 to 1945. These coins are 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese.
The 1899 Liberty Head nickel is very common, most show heavy wear and are valued at $1.00-$3.00 depending on condition.
There is no "B" mint mark on any U.S. coins. What you have is called a Liberty nickel, and all 1899 nickels were made at Philadelphia so they do not have a mint mark. As of 12/2008 retail values are Very worn - $3 Moderately worn - $8 Slightly worn - $20
A 1899 Liberty Head nickel is worth between $2.25 and $130.00 depending on its grade. Taking it to a coin shop may give you a better idea of its grade.
Average retail value: $1.00-$3.00
It is made of copper and nickel. A 1949 NICKEL is made from copper & nickel.
$3 if very worn, up to $30 if almost uncirculated.