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1885 Liberty Head Nickel Value

1885 Liberty Head nickel value guide -- the series' lowest mintage, and grade-by-grade prices.

1885 Liberty Head Nickel obverse
1885 Liberty Head Nickel reverse
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Year
1885
Mint mark
None (Philadelphia)
Composition
75% copper, 25% nickel
Mintage
1,476,490

Current value

Grade
Estimated value
Good
$344
Very Good
$666
Fine
$929
Very Fine
$1,243
Extra Fine
$1,445
About Unc.
$1,987
Unc. (MS-60)
$2,497
Choice Unc. (MS-63)
$4,247
Source: USA Coin Book, https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/nickels/liberty/ (master price table); rarity narrative from PCGS News (retrieved 2026-08-21)

Why it matters

Lowest business-strike mintage of the entire regular Liberty Nickel series (1883-1912) -- considered the true "stopper" for most collectors trying to complete a date set.

PCGS estimates only about 5,000 survivors across all grades combined.

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Buying a liberty head nickel

Condition drives price more than any other factor on a coin like this — two examples of the same date can be worth very different amounts depending on wear and authentication.

Grade before you price it

The value table above is organized by grade for a reason — a coin's condition, not just its date, sets where it lands on that range. If you're not sure how to grade, a seller's photos and description should call it out.

Check for authentication

A professionally graded (PCGS/NGC) example carries more certainty than a raw coin, and usually a small premium for it. Both are fine to buy — just factor grading into the price you're comparing.

Compare a few listings

Prices vary between individual sellers here, not one retailer's price list. Sort by price, check the seller's Metal Points and order history, and message the seller if photos don't show enough detail to grade confidently.

Common questions

About the 1885 Liberty Head Nickel

How much is a 1885 Liberty Head Nickel worth?

Value depends heavily on condition. A well-worn example brings closer to $344, while an uncirculated one can reach $4,247 or more.

What makes the 1885 Liberty Head Nickel valuable?

Lowest business-strike mintage of the entire regular Liberty Nickel series (1883-1912) -- considered the true "stopper" for most collectors trying to complete a date set.

Should I get it professionally graded?

For anything you believe is a key date or an error, professional grading protects both buyer and seller by settling condition and authenticity before money changes hands.


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