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1886 Liberty Head nickel value guide -- a genuine semi-key date, and grade-by-grade prices.
Third-lowest business-strike mintage in the series, behind 1885 and 1912-S -- a genuinely tough and expensive date relative to common years.
A typical Mint State example trades around MS-64, with no dramatic gem-condition price cliff the way some other key dates show.
Live listings matching the 1886 Liberty Head Nickel
Other dates and varieties in this series
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.
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.
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.
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.
About the 1886 Liberty Head Nickel
Value depends heavily on condition. A well-worn example brings closer to $249, while an uncirculated one can reach $2,629 or more.
Third-lowest business-strike mintage in the series, behind 1885 and 1912-S -- a genuinely tough and expensive date relative to common years.
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.
List it free on PeerMetals — flat 2.75% seller fee, zero listing fees, 1–3 day payouts.
