What is the value of a 1912 us nickel?

Answer 1

These coins are normally called Liberty nickels or "V" nickels (V = 5 in Roman numerals). Look on the back by the dot at roughly the 8:00 position to see if there's a mint mark letter.

Numismedia lists the following retail values as of 01/2010:

No mint mark:

Very worn condition - $3

Moderately worn - $5

Slightly worn - $10

Almost no wear - $50

Uncirculated - $72-1700 depending on its quality.

"D" mint mark:

Very worn condition - $4

Moderately worn - $13

Slightly worn - $35

Almost no wear - $185

Uncirculated - $265-7600

"S" mint mark:

Very worn condition - $150

Moderately worn - $219

Slightly worn - $480

Almost no wear - $1200

Uncirculated - $1,470-16,000

There are many counterfeit 1912-S coins. Any that appear to have an S mint mark should be inspected by an expert.

The value depends on the condition of the coin and whether it has a mint mark. Look on the back of the coin to the left of the word "cents"

If there is no small letter there, the coin has no mint mark. It could also have a D or S.

Assuming you have a coin that has been put into circulation, the value will vary depending on how worn the coin is. If it has bad discoloration or has dents or bends in it, its value is almost nil.

A no mint mark 1912 V is worth from $2 to $45.

A D mint mark coin is worth from $3 to $160

An S mint mark coin is worth from $140 to $1,300

If the coin was never put into circulation it is either an uncirculated coin or a proof coin. This could send the value up to as much as $2,000.

Go to a professional numismatist to have the value of the coin appraised. It is becoming a very exacting science.