Price Guide for 1911 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: $6.00 – $92.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $14,687.50
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eBayCirculated: $3.00 – $428.00Uncirculated: $23.50 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $110.00Uncirculated: $120.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $77.00 – $81.00Uncirculated: $1.20 – $6,168.75
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eBayCirculated: $400.00Uncirculated: $158.00 – $2,795.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $230.00 – $9,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $279.00 – $1,247.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,642.50 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1911 Nickel
The 1911 Liberty Head (V) Nickel was part of a series that began in 1883 and continued until 1912. This coin represents one of the final years of the Liberty Head design, which would be replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. The Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the V Nickel due to the Roman numeral on its reverse, was a staple of American commerce in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S) |
| 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 a 1911 Liberty Head Nickel significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens, particularly those in grades MS65 and above, are scarce and highly valued by collectors. The San Francisco mint coins, due to their lower mintage, are generally more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts in similar grades.
Key factors affecting the coin’s condition include:
• Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full detail are more desirable.
• Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value to uncirculated coins.
• Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or wear are highly prized.
• Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
Mintage: 39,559,372
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 988,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Several factors can influence the value of a 1911 Liberty Head Nickel beyond its condition:
1. Mint mark: The San Francisco (S) mint coins are generally more valuable due to their lower mintage.
2. Historical significance: As one of the last years of the Liberty Head design, these coins hold special interest for collectors.
3. Overall eye appeal: Coins with attractive coloration and balanced appearance often command premiums.
4. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history can be more valuable.
5. Certification: Coins graded and authenticated by reputable third-party grading services often fetch higher prices.
For the 1911-S in particular, its status as a key date in the series makes it especially desirable to collectors, with even circulated examples commanding significant premiums over common date Liberty Head Nickels.
