Price Guide for 1892 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: $21.00 – $190.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $10,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.77 – $183.00Uncirculated: $61.77 – $1,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $210.00Uncirculated: $225.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $118.00 – $150.00Uncirculated: $2.65 – $8,338.00
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eBayUncirculated: $117.50 – $1,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $173.00 – $18,212.50
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eBayUncirculated: $289.00 – $1,009.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $881.00 – $11,162.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $7,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1892 Nickel
The 1892 Liberty Head (V) Nickel was part of a series that began in 1883 and continued until 1912. This coin marked the tenth year of the Liberty Head design, which replaced the Shield Nickel. The absence of the word ‘CENTS’ on early issues led to some being gold-plated and passed off as $5 gold pieces, prompting a mid-year design change in 1883. By 1892, the design was well-established and widely circulated.
| 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
The condition of an 1892 Liberty Head Nickel significantly impacts its value. While circulated examples are relatively common, coins in uncirculated condition become increasingly scarce. Specimens grading MS65 or higher are quite rare and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significantly to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes are crucial for higher grades.
Mintage: 11,699,642
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, higher for well-preserved specimens
Toning can play a role in the desirability of 1892 Liberty Head Nickels. Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal to collectors, potentially increasing its value. However, unattractive or artificial toning can detract from the coin’s value.
Die state and quality of strike can also affect value. Early die state coins with sharp, crisp details are generally more sought after than those struck from worn dies.
While not particularly rare as a date, the 1892 Nickel in high grades represents an important type coin for collectors assembling high-grade sets of Liberty Head Nickels or late 19th-century U.S. coinage.
