1872 Nickel Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1872 Nickel Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1872 Nickel variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

1872 Nickel (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $13.00 - $264.00

  Uncirculated: $69.00 - $25,850.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $6.00 - $565.82

  Uncirculated: $48.00 - $5,250.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $45.00 - $260.00

  Uncirculated: $275.00 - $15,000.00

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1872 Nickel, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $374.00 - $7,475.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $255.00 - $2,745.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $700.00 - $22,500.00

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1872 Nickel, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $3,120.00 - $11,162.50

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1872 Nickel DDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $81.00 - $411.25

  Uncirculated: $204.00 - $960.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $365.00 - $454.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $65.00 - $410.00

  Uncirculated: $425.00 - $5,500.00

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1872 Nickel DDO FS-102 (Regular Strike)

• eBay

  Circulated: $192.49
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $65.00 - $225.00

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1872 Nickel DDO FS-103 (Regular Strike)

• eBay

  Circulated: $89.00 - $349.00

  Uncirculated: $685.00

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1872 Nickel DDO FS-104 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $504.00 - $780.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $250.00

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1872 Nickel TDO FS-105 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $235.00 - $276.00

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1872 Nickel DDO FS-106 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $312.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $199.00

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1872 Nickel (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $2.60 - $4,935.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $240.50 - $1,800.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $250.00 - $325.00

  Uncirculated: $350.00 - $7,500.00

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1872 Nickel RPD FS-305 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $910.63
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,100.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1872 Nickel

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1872 Shield Nickels. Due to the coin's age and moderate circulation, finding high-grade specimens can be challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly valuable.

The strike quality is often weak on Shield Nickels, so well-struck examples command a premium. Look for full detail on the shield's horizontal and vertical lines on the obverse, and a sharp, clear wreath on the reverse.

Luster and toning can significantly impact the coin's desirability. Original, frosty luster is highly prized, while attractive, natural toning can enhance appeal. The presence of the Closed 3 or Open 3 variety in the date can affect value, with the Closed 3 being scarcer and more valuable.

Proofs were also minted in 1872, with a mintage of 950. These are considerably rarer and more valuable than their circulation strike counterparts, especially in high grades with cameo or deep cameo contrast.