Price Guide for 1891 Nickel Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1891 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.

1891 Nickel (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $7.00 - $978.00
    Uncirculated: $70.00 - $23,500.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $11.50 - $195.00
    Uncirculated: $84.01 - $1,850.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $10.00 - $210.00
    Uncirculated: $225.00 - $15,000.00

1891 Nickel (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $134.00
    Uncirculated: $2.35 - $5,175.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $150.00
    Uncirculated: $154.53 - $2,150.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $175.00 - $225.00
    Uncirculated: $250.00 - $12,500.00

1891 Nickel, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $201.00 - $9,400.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $205.00 - $2,360.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $350.00 - $25,000.00

1891 Nickel, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $409.00 - $11,500.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $711.56 - $3,339.60
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,250.00 - $16,000.00

Design and Specifications of the 1891 Nickel

The 1891 Liberty Head (V) Nickel was part of a series that began in 1883 and continued until 1912. This coin marked the ninth year of the Liberty Head nickel design, which was created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. The design was a departure from the previous Shield nickel and was generally well-received by the public.

Notably, 1891 was a year of economic challenges, with the United States experiencing a series of bank failures that would eventually lead to the Panic of 1893. This economic context may have influenced coin production and circulation patterns.

Weight 5.0 grams
Diameter 21.2 mm
Mint Marks None (Philadelphia)
Composition 75% copper, 25% nickel
Obverse Design Liberty Head (V Nickel), designed by Charles E. Barber
Reverse Design Wreath surrounding Roman numeral V, designed by Charles E. Barber

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1891 Liberty Head Nickel significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, it becomes increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. Coins in MS63 and above are particularly desirable among collectors.

Key factors affecting condition include:

1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin's appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer contact marks and abrasions increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 16,834,350

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant for this year

Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens

Several factors can influence the value of an 1891 Liberty Head Nickel beyond its condition:

1. Historical significance: As a coin minted during a period of economic instability, it may appeal to collectors interested in economic history.
2. Type set inclusion: Being part of the Liberty Head series makes it desirable for type set collectors.
3. Preservation of details: Coins with strong, clear details on Liberty's hair and the wreath are more valuable.
4. Die state: Late die state examples showing interesting die cracks or other features may command a premium among specialists.

While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1891 nickel can still command significant premiums due to their scarcity in top conditions.

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