Price Guide for 1872 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 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.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $69.00 – $25,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.00 – $565.82Uncirculated: $48.00 – $5,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $260.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.60 – $4,935.00
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eBayUncirculated: $240.50 – $1,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00 – $411.25Uncirculated: $204.00 – $960.00
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eBayUncirculated: $365.00 – $454.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $425.00 – $5,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $192.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $225.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.00 – $349.00Uncirculated: $685.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $504.00 – $780.00
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eBayCirculated: $250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $235.00 – $276.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00
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eBayCirculated: $199.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $910.63
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $374.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayUncirculated: $255.00 – $2,745.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,120.00 – $11,162.50
Design and Specifications of the 1872 Nickel
The 1872 Shield Nickel was part of the Shield Nickel series, which was minted from 1866 to 1883. This coin was produced during a period of economic recovery following the Civil War. The Shield Nickel was the first five-cent piece composed of copper and nickel, replacing the silver half dime.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 20.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the Roman numeral V, designed by James B. Longacre |
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.
Mintage: 6,036,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Closed 3 and Open 3 varieties in date
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
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.
