Price Guide for 1888 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: $20.00 – $403.00Uncirculated: $104.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $428.00Uncirculated: $140.00 – $2,056.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $310.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $176.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $6,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $162.53 – $1,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $235.00 – $6,462.50
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eBayUncirculated: $502.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $576.00 – $1,320.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $475.00 – $2,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1888 Nickel
The 1888 Liberty Head (V) Nickel was part of a series that began in 1883 and continued until 1912. This coin marked the sixth year of production for the Liberty Head design, which replaced the Shield Nickel. The absence of a mint mark indicates that all 1888 nickels were produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
The Liberty Head Nickel series is notable for its initial controversy when it was first released in 1883 without the word ‘CENTS’ on the reverse, leading some to gold-plate the coins and pass them off as $5 gold pieces. By 1888, this issue had long been resolved, with ‘CENTS’ added to the reverse design.
| 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 the Roman numeral V, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1888 Liberty Head Nickel. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, it becomes increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. Coins in grades MS65 and above are particularly desirable and command significant premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes are preferred.
– Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, while unattractive toning may detract from it.
Mintage: 10,720,483
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 1888 Liberty Head Nickel beyond its condition:
1. Historical significance: As part of the early Liberty Head series, it holds interest for collectors of 19th-century coinage.
2. Type set demand: It’s a popular choice for type set collections representing the Liberty Head Nickel design.
3. Preservation: Well-preserved examples are increasingly scarce, making them more valuable to collectors.
4. Market trends: Overall demand for Liberty Head Nickels can affect values across the series.
5. Certification: Coins graded and authenticated by reputable third-party grading services often command higher prices.
While not a key date, high-grade examples of the 1888 Nickel can be quite valuable due to their scarcity in top conditions.
