Price Guide for 1893 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: $25.00 – $431.00Uncirculated: $70.00 – $22,325.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.82 – $235.50Uncirculated: $67.00 – $1,695.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $200.00Uncirculated: $225.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $632.00Uncirculated: $1.60 – $8,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $123.38 – $1,131.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $164.50 – $23,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $289.00 – $2,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,057.50 – $22,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1893 Nickel
The 1893 Liberty Head (V) Nickel was part of a series that began in 1883 and continued until 1912. This coin was minted during a period of economic recession in the United States, known as the Panic of 1893. The Liberty Head 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.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
| 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 is crucial for determining the value of an 1893 Liberty Head Nickel. Due to extensive circulation, high-grade examples are scarce and command significant premiums. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, are highly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes increase desirability.
Mintage: 13,368,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to heavy circulation
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a role in the 1893 Nickel’s value. Its minting during the Panic of 1893 adds interest for collectors of economic history. Additionally, as part of the Liberty Head series, it holds appeal for type set collectors.
Toning can significantly impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums. However, any signs of cleaning or artificial toning can severely decrease value.
While not particularly rare in circulated grades, the 1893 Nickel becomes scarce in high Mint State grades, making such examples valuable to advanced collectors and investors in 19th-century American coinage.
