Price Guide for 1898 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: $40.00 – $840.00Uncirculated: $51.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayCirculated: $7.05 – $398.00Uncirculated: $39.99 – $2,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00 – $546.00Uncirculated: $1.75 – $4,325.00
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eBayCirculated: $275.00Uncirculated: $145.02 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $97.00Uncirculated: $9,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $528.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $253.00 – $13,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $331.00 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $863.00 – $12,363.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $22,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1898 Nickel
The 1898 Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the V Nickel, was part of a series that ran from 1883 to 1913. This coin played a significant role in everyday commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 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 |
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Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark) |
Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
Obverse Design | Liberty Head, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding the denomination, designed by Charles E. Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1898 Liberty Head Nickel significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become increasingly scarce. Coins graded MS65 or higher are particularly valuable due to their rarity.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes are crucial for higher grades.
Mintage: 12,532,087
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of an 1898 Liberty Head Nickel beyond its condition:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal and value.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may command a premium.
3. Historical significance: As a 19th-century coin, it holds appeal for collectors of that era.
4. Set completion: Many collectors seek this date to complete Liberty Head Nickel sets.
While not a key date, high-grade examples of the 1898 Nickel are sought after by type collectors and series enthusiasts alike.