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The 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar is worth anywhere from $3 in standard proof condition to over $50 in high-grade silver proof or specimen sets. While these modern presidential coins aren’t as old as Silver Eagles, certain minting varieties and conditions can fetch a surprising premium from dedicated hobbyists and collectors today.
| Coin Version | Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-S Proof (Clad) | PR 65 to PR 69 | $3.50 – $12.00 |
| 2012-S Proof (Clad) | PR 70 Deep Cameo | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| 2012-S Silver Proof | PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $22.00 |
| 2012-S Silver Proof | PR 70 Deep Cameo | $55.00+ |
History of the 2012 Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar
Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, was honored in 2012 as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. This program, which began in 2007, aimed to celebrate every deceased U.S. President in the order they served. However, by the time Harrison’s coin was ready for production, the landscape of American coinage had changed significantly.
In late 2011, the Treasury Department suspended the production of Presidential Dollars for general circulation due to a massive surplus of dollar coins sitting in Federal Reserve vaults. This means that unlike the George Washington or Abraham Lincoln dollars you might find in a vending machine, the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison coins were never released into the wild. They were produced exclusively for collectors in special sets. If you find one in your pocket change, it likely means a collector was desperate or it was part of a broken set.
Because these was not intended for daily use, identifying his specific mint mark is crucial. If you aren’t sure how to tell the difference between mint marks, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the Philly, Denver, and San Francisco strikes. The CoinKnow app is particularly useful here as it uses AI to scan the edge-incused lettering where the “S” mint mark is hidden.
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Decoding the “S” Mint Mark and Coin Varieties
The “S” mint mark on the 2012 Benjamin Harrison dollar signifies that the coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the P (Philadelphia) and D (Denver) versions which were sold in rolls and bags, the S-mint coins were typically reserved for Proof Sets. Proof coins are struck twice on specially polished planchets (blanks), resulting in a mirror-like finish that is highly attractive to the eye.
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There are two primary versions of the 2012-S dollar: the standard copper-nickel clad version and the 90% silver version. The clad version contains a pure copper core with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The silver version, found in the 2012 Silver Proof Set, is much rarer and holds intrinsic metal value.
If you are trying to determine if your coin is worth more than its face value, checking the 2012-S Harrison dollar value info is a great starting point. Most collectors look for “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designations, where the frosted portrait of Harrison contrasts sharply against the shiny black mirror effect of the background.
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Factors Influencing the Benjamin Harrison Dollar Price
The value of a 2012-S Benjamin Harrison coin depends almost entirely on its grade and whether it has been removed from its original US Mint packaging. Since these were “NIFC” (Not Intended For Circulation), almost all existing specimens are in at least “uncirculated” condition. However, microscopic scratches called “hairlines” can significantly lower the grade.
Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale. A PR69 coin is nearly perfect, while a PR70 is flawless under 5x magnification. The difference in price between these two grades can be ten-fold. For example, the current price data for 2012 dollars shows that “perfect” coins command the highest premiums at auction.
Beyond the grade, the presence of the original box and certificate of authenticity (COA) helps maintain the value for casual buyers. Using the CoinKnow app can help you track these fluctuations in the market price so you don’t sell your treasure for less than it’s worth.
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| Condition Category | Description | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Proof | Removed from set, may have small scratches | $2 – $5 |
| PCGS/NGC PR69 | Almost perfect, highly common grade | $10 – $18 |
| PCGS/NGC PR70 | Perfect specimen under magnification | $35 – $60 |
Edge-Incused Lettering and Minting Errors
One of the unique features of the Presidential Dollar series, including the Benjamin Harrison coin, is the edge lettering. Unlike traditional coins where the date and mint mark are on the face, these details are inscribed along the rim of the coin. This includes the year 2012, the mint mark (S), and the mottoes “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust.”
Errors are rare on proof coins because the quality control at the San Francisco mint is extremely high. However, collectors occasionally look for “missing edge lettering” or “double edge lettering.” While more common on P and D business strikes, an S-mint error would be a massive find. Most CoinKnow users scan the edges of their coins to ensure all the text is present and correctly oriented.
If you happen to find a 2012-S coin that looks “unfinished” or lacks the mirror-like shine of a proof, it could be an experimental strike or a rare specimen strike. These anomalies are where the real money is made in the coin collecting world, often reaching prices well into the hundreds of dollars.
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How to Store and Protect Your 2012-S Dollars
Because the value of the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison dollar is tied so closely to its visual appeal, proper storage is non-negotiable. If your coin is still in the original US Mint plastic lens, it is best to leave it there. Breaking the seal can expose the coin to oxygen and oils from your fingers, which causes “toning” or cloudiness.
If you have a loose (“raw”) coin, use PVC-free plastic flips or archival-quality coin capsules. Avoid storing them in cardboard folders with high acid content or in humid environments like basements. Even a single fingerprint can eventually “eat” into the metal surface, permanently lowering the grade.
Many modern collectors use digital inventories like CoinKnow to keep photos and records of their collection condition. This allows you to track the health of your investment without constantly handling the physical coins. Remember, in the world of proof coins, “originality” and “purity” are the two biggest drivers of long-term appreciation.
| Mintage Stats | Quantity Produced |
|---|---|
| 2012-S Clad Proof | ~1,180,000 |
| 2012-S Silver Proof | ~395,000 |
FAQ
Q: Is the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison dollar made of real gold?
A: No, despite their golden color, these coins do not contain any gold. They are made of a manganese-brass alloy over a copper core. The color is purely aesthetic.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Q: Why can’t I find the date on the front of the coin?
A: The date “2012” and the mint mark “S” are located on the edge of the coin. You have to turn the coin on its side and look at the rim to see this information.
Q: How can I tell if my coin is a silver proof or a regular proof?
A: The easiest way is the “tissue test” or checking the weight. A silver proof will have a white, brilliant edge, while a clad proof will show a copper stripe on the rim. Additionally, the silver version weighs 8.1 grams, whereas the clad version is lighter.
Q: Should I get my Benjamin Harrison dollar graded?
A: Only if you believe it is a perfect Grade 70. Grading fees usually cost around $20-$30 per coin. Since a standard PR69 Harrison dollar is only worth about $15, you would lose money by grading it unless it is the highest possible grade.