One of the most iconic coins in American history just made headlines—again. In early 2025, a stunning example of the 1912-S Liberty Head “V” Nickel sold for a jaw-dropping $500,000 at a rare coin auction held in New York City. This sale has sent shockwaves through the numismatic community and reignited collector interest in early 20th-century coinage.
🪙 What Makes the 1912-S V Nickel So Valuable?
The Liberty Head Nickel, often referred to as the “V Nickel,” was minted from 1883 to 1912. The 1912-S is particularly rare—it was the only year the Liberty Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint. With a total mintage of just 238,000 coins, it’s one of the scarcest coins in the entire series.
The coin that sold in 2025 was not just any 1912-S—it was in exceptional Mint State condition and certified by PCGS as MS-67. That level of preservation, combined with its rarity and historical significance, drove competitive bidding from elite collectors around the world.
đź“ś A Quick History of the Liberty V Nickel
- Minted: 1883 to 1912
- Obverse: Lady Liberty surrounded by 13 stars
- Reverse: Roman numeral “V” (for 5 cents) and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
- 1912-S: Final year of production, and only time the coin was minted in San Francisco
Most Liberty Nickels were made at the Philadelphia Mint, and some at Denver (1912-D). But the 1912-S stands out due to its ultra-low mintage and historical significance as the end of the Liberty Nickel era before the Buffalo Nickel took its place in 1913.
đź’° Value Breakdown: Why This Coin Hit $500,000
Here are the key reasons the 1912-S V Nickel commanded such a high price:
- Extremely Low Mintage: Only 238,000 made
- Mint State Condition: PCGS-graded MS-67, one of the finest known
- High Demand: One of the key coins needed to complete a Liberty Nickel set
- Auction Frenzy: Bidding war between major collectors at a premier 2025 New York auction house
🔍 Where Is the Mint Mark?
To identify a 1912-S V Nickel, flip the coin to the reverse side. Look just below the dot after “CENTS”—you’ll see a tiny “S” mint mark if it was struck in San Francisco. If there’s no letter, it’s from Philadelphia, and if there’s a “D,” it’s from Denver.
🧠What About Other 1912 V Nickels?
Even if you don’t own the ultra-rare 1912-S, other Liberty Nickels can still be valuable, especially in high grades. Here’s a general value guide:
| 1912 V Nickel Version | Typical Circulated Value | Uncirculated (MS-65+) |
|---|---|---|
| 1912 (No Mint Mark) | $2 – $15 | $100 – $200+ |
| 1912-D (Denver) | $10 – $40 | $300 – $600+ |
| 1912-S (San Francisco) | $75 – $300+ | $1,500 – $500,000+ |
Prices vary based on condition, rarity, and grading. PCGS and NGC certified coins always fetch higher prices.
📦 How to Sell a Rare V Nickel
Think you might have a rare Liberty Nickel in your collection? Here’s what to do:
- Get It Graded: Submit to PCGS or NGC for professional authentication and grading.
- Research Your Coin: Use auction databases and price guides like PCGS CoinFacts or Heritage Auctions.
- Choose the Right Platform: Sell via high-end auction houses like Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections if it’s valuable.
- Explore Local Options: Coin shops, coin shows, or online platforms like eBay can work for common examples.
🎥 Watch: How This Nickel Sold for $500K
We cover the full story in our latest video—from coin features to auction-day excitement. Don’t miss it! 👉 Click here to watch the video
Final Thought: The 1912-S Liberty V Nickel is more than just pocket change—it’s a piece of American history. With only a few top-condition examples in existence, this half-million-dollar coin sale proves that the right coin in the right condition can change your life. Check your collections—you could be holding a hidden treasure.
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