Price Guide for 1887 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: $30.55 – $403.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $11,163.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $286.51Uncirculated: $39.12 – $2,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $107.00 – $632.00Uncirculated: $1.20 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $450.00 – $495.00Uncirculated: $29.99 – $690.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.60 – $383.00Uncirculated: $141.00 – $978.00
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eBayCirculated: $80.99Uncirculated: $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $236.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $450.00 – $649.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1887 Nickel
The 1887 Liberty Head (V) Nickel was part of a series that began in 1883 and continued until 1912. This coin played a significant role in everyday commerce during the late 19th century. The design, created by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, was a departure from the previous Shield nickel and represented a more classical approach to American coinage.
Notably, the 1887 nickel was produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, as was common for many years of this series. The absence of a mint mark on these coins is typical for Philadelphia-minted coins of this era.
Weight | 5 grams |
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Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
Obverse Design | Liberty Head (V Nickel), 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 an 1887 Liberty Head Nickel significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. These coins often suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the reverse wreath details, making well-struck examples highly sought after.
Luster preservation is crucial for higher-grade specimens, with original mint luster being particularly prized. Coins in Mint State grades (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially valuable due to their scarcity.
The presence of original toning can enhance a coin’s appeal, particularly if it exhibits attractive colors. Conversely, cleaning or other forms of improper handling can severely diminish a coin’s value.
Mintage: 15,263,652
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to striking issues common to the series
Varieties Errors: None of particular significance for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among type set collectors and V Nickel enthusiasts
Strike quality is a critical factor for 1887 Liberty Nickels. Well-struck coins with full details, especially on the reverse wreath and the word ‘CENTS’, are highly desirable and can command significant premiums.
The presence of prooflike surfaces on circulation strikes, while rare, can add to a coin’s value. Additionally, any unusual die varieties or errors, though not commonly noted for this year, would be of interest to specialized collectors.
As with many coins of this era, the overall eye appeal plays a crucial role in determining value, especially for higher-grade examples. Coins with a pleasing, original appearance and minimal contact marks are particularly sought after by discerning collectors.