Price Guide for 1886 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1886 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.

1886 Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 - $1,840.00Uncirculated: $403.00 - $64,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.50 - $1,325.00Uncirculated: $522.00 - $4,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 - $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 - $75,000.00

1886 Nickel (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $37.00 - $576.00Uncirculated: $4.20 - $55,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $320.00 - $330.01Uncirculated: $379.98 - $1,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 - $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 - $22,500.00

1886 Nickel RPD FS-301 (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $456.00Uncirculated: $3,120.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $325.00 - $750.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00 - $3,250.00
1886 Nickel, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $437.00 - $8,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $520.00 - $1,136.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 - $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1886 Nickel
The 1886 Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the V Nickel, was part of a series that began in 1883 and continued until 1912. This coin is particularly significant as it represents one of the lowest mintage years for the series, making it a key date for collectors.
The Liberty Head design was created by Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time. The 1886 nickel was minted exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, as was common for many coin denominations during this period.
Weight | 5 grams |
---|---|
Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Reverse Design | Large Roman numeral V surrounded by a wreath, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of the 1886 Liberty Head Nickel. Due to its low mintage and age, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or better) are particularly valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
The strike quality can vary, affecting the overall appearance and value. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty's hair and the wreath on the reverse, command higher premiums. Original mint luster is highly prized, and attractive, natural toning can add to the coin's desirability.
Mintage: 3,326,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
The 1886 Nickel's status as a key date in the Liberty Head series significantly impacts its value. Even in lower circulated grades, this coin commands a premium over common dates.
Provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade specimens. Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections or appearing in important auctions may fetch higher prices.
While major varieties are not known for this year, any discovery of a significant die variety or error could substantially increase a coin's value. Collectors should be cautious of altered dates, as unscrupulous individuals might attempt to change the date of a more common year to resemble the rare 1886.
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