Price Guide for 1883 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: $7.00 – $184.00Uncirculated: $16.00 – $12,075.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $814.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $70.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $192.00Uncirculated: $63.00 – $34,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.99 – $190.00Uncirculated: $54.50 – $6,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $235.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $24.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $737.00Uncirculated: $8.13 – $1,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $190.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $414.00 – $977.00Uncirculated: $1.15 – $12,075.00
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eBayUncirculated: $141.50 – $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $190.00 – $1,955.00Uncirculated: $805.00 – $16,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $198.09 – $1,225.09Uncirculated: $1,456.00 – $2,195.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $2,250.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00 – $65,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $603.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $121.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $139.95 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $518.00 – $1,703.75Uncirculated: $1,200.00 – $10,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $484.00 – $1,335.00Uncirculated: $7,115.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $2,050.00Uncirculated: $2,250.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $164.50Uncirculated: $2.25 – $9,106.25
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eBayCirculated: $102.77 – $250.00Uncirculated: $122.50 – $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $1,440.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $129.00 – $216.00Uncirculated: $276.00 – $432.00
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eBayCirculated: $68.60 – $160.00Uncirculated: $146.00 – $257.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $375.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $690.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $450.00 – $1,480.00Uncirculated: $1,337.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,475.00Uncirculated: $1,600.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $720.00Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $550.00 – $800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00Uncirculated: $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00 – $528.00Uncirculated: $312.00 – $3,818.75
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $410.00Uncirculated: $925.00 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $840.00 – $1,680.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $60,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,625.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $223.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayUncirculated: $329.00 – $1,035.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,640.00 – $5,875.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $48.00 – $105.75Uncirculated: $345.00 – $384.00
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eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $499.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $85.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $86.00Uncirculated: $252.00 – $312.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.60 – $70.00Uncirculated: $136.50 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $85.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $242.00 – $10,925.00
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eBayUncirculated: $316.00 – $2,156.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,140.00 – $49,937.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $190.00 – $11,456.25
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eBayUncirculated: $186.50 – $950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,410.00 – $9,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $11,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1883 Nickel
The 1883 Liberty Head Nickel marks the first year of a new design for the five-cent piece. This coin is particularly significant due to its two distinct varieties produced in the same year. The initial design, known as the ‘No CENTS‘ variety, lacked the word ‘CENTS’ on the reverse, leading to some unscrupulous individuals gold-plating the coins and passing them off as $5 gold pieces. The Mint quickly addressed this issue by adding ‘CENTS’ to the reverse design later in the year.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, 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 1883 Liberty Head Nickels significantly impacts their value. Uncirculated examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, command substantial premiums. For the ‘No CENTS’ variety, even circulated examples in good condition are highly sought after due to their historical significance.
Proof coins are especially valuable, with cameo and deep cameo examples being the most desirable. The quality of the strike, presence of full steps on the reverse, and absence of contact marks are crucial factors in determining value for high-grade specimens.
Mintage: 5,479,519 (No CENTS), 16,026,200 (With CENTS)
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: No CENTS and With CENTS varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for the 'No CENTS' variety
Mintage: 5,419
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: Both No CENTS and With CENTS varieties exist in proof
Market Demand: High, particularly for cameo and deep cameo examples
Variety plays a crucial role in the value of 1883 Nickels. The ‘No CENTS’ variety typically commands a premium over the ‘With CENTS’ version, especially in higher grades. Toning can also significantly affect value, with attractively toned specimens often selling for substantial premiums.
For proof coins, the presence and quality of cameo contrast between the fields and devices can greatly enhance value. First strike examples with sharp details and minimal die polishing lines are highly prized by collectors.
Lastly, the historical significance of the ‘No CENTS’ variety and its connection to the gold-plating scandal make it a favorite among numismatic historians, potentially driving up prices for well-preserved examples.
