Price Guide for 1912 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1912 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.
1912 Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 - $100.00Uncirculated: $42.00 - $5,875.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 - $361.25Uncirculated: $27.00 - $3,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 - $110.00Uncirculated: $120.00 - $4,000.00
1912-S Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $39.00 - $3,360.00Uncirculated: $9.15 - $37,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.00 - $1,850.00Uncirculated: $19.01 - $7,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $120.00 - $2,100.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 - $12,500.00
1912-D Nickel (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 - $427.00Uncirculated: $6.75 - $41,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.37 - $336.66Uncirculated: $76.00 - $4,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 - $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 - $40,000.00
1912 Nickel (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $188.00Uncirculated: $1.50 - $27,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $687.13Uncirculated: $164.00 - $2,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 - $20,000.00
1912 Nickel, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $212.00 - $17,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $370.00 - $1,099.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 - $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1912 Nickel
The 1912 Liberty Head (V) Nickel represents the penultimate year of this classic design, which had been in production since 1883. This coin holds historical significance as it was minted during a period of significant social and economic change in the United States, including the election of Woodrow Wilson as president.
The Liberty Head Nickel would be replaced the following year by the Buffalo Nickel, making the 1912 issue particularly noteworthy for collectors as one of the last opportunities to acquire this design in circulation strike condition.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia issues had no mint mark) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (V Nickel), designed by Charles E. Barber |
| Reverse Design | Roman numeral V surrounded by a wreath, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1912 Liberty Head Nickel significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
For circulated coins, those with clear design details and minimal wear command higher prices. The presence of luster on uncirculated coins is crucial, as is the absence of significant contact marks or scratches.
The San Francisco mint coins, being the scarcest, see the most dramatic increase in value with improved condition, especially in mint state grades.
Mintage: 26,236,714
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 8,474,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 238,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1912 Liberty Head Nickels. Well-struck coins with full details, particularly on Liberty's hair and the wreath on the reverse, are more desirable.
Original mint luster adds significant premium to uncirculated coins. Some collectors also value coins with attractive, natural toning.
For the San Francisco mint coins, the strength of the mint mark can affect value, with clearly defined 'S' marks being more desirable.
As always, authenticity is crucial. Due to their value, high-grade examples, particularly from San Francisco, should be certified by reputable grading services to ensure authenticity and accurate grading.
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