The 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar is worth anywhere from $1 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade Proof 70 condition. While these modern coins aren’t made of gold, they are beautiful collectibles that celebrate the 23rd President of the United States and hold a special place in the Presidential Dollar series.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated / Face Value | $1.00 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Proof (PR-67 to PR-69) | $6.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof (PR-70 Deep Cameo) | $40.00 – $75.00 |
Understanding the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar Rarity
If you have just found a shiny “gold-colored” coin featuring Benjamin Harrison, the first thing you should know is that 2012 was a pivotal year for the Presidential Dollar series. Starting in 2012, the U.S. Mint stopped producing these coins for general circulation because of a massive surplus in Treasury vaults. This means that unlike the Washington or Lincoln dollars you might find in your change, the Benjamin Harrison dollar was only available to collectors through special government sets or rolls. To accurately identify if yours is one of these rarer specimens, using the best coin identifier app can save you hours of research.
The “S” mint mark on your coin signifies that it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Generally, the San Francisco Mint produces proof coins, which are specially minted for collectors using polished dies and planchets to create a mirror-like finish. Because they were never released into the wild for spending at the grocery store, any 2012-S Harrison dollar you find in high grade is likely from a broken-up proof set. To get a better sense of how these compare to other modern issues, you can research the 2012 Sacagawea dollar worth, as both series share similar compositions and limited mintage figures from that year.
When you are assessing your pocket change or a found collection, CoinHix can be an invaluable tool. It allows you to scan the coin’s surface to detect wear and tear that might not be visible to the naked eye. In the world of modern dollars, “perfection” is what drives value. A coin that has been touched by human hands and carried in a pocket will rarely fetch more than its $1 face value, whereas a pristine “Deep Cameo” proof specimen is highly sought after by registry set collectors.
Value Breakdown for 2012-S Harrison Proof Coins
Since the 2012-S Harrison dollar was primarily struck as a proof, its value is almost entirely dependent on its numerical grade assigned by services like PCGS or NGC. A “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) finish is the standard for these coins, characterized by a frosted portrait of Harrison that stands out against a black, mirror-like background. These coins were sold in the 2012 United States Mint Proof Set and the 2012 Presidential Dollar Proof Set.
Most proof coins you find will be in the PR-68 or PR-69 range. These are worth a modest premium over their original issue price. However, the “holy grail” for this specific issue is a perfect PR-70. Even a single microscopic scratch or fingerprint can demote a coin from a 70 to a 69, which results in a significant price drop. For collectors looking for specific market data, viewing current dollar coin auction prices helps illustrate how grade affects the bottom line for 2012 issues.
| Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| PR-65 Deep Cameo | $4.00 |
| PR-67 Deep Cameo | $7.00 |
| PR-68 Deep Cameo | $12.00 |
| PR-69 Deep Cameo | $18.00 |
| PR-70 Deep Cameo | $55.00+ |
Design Features and Edge Lettering of the 2012 Harrison Dollar
The obverse of the coin features a dignified portrait of Benjamin Harrison designed by Phoebe Hemphill. It includes the inscriptions “Benjamin Harrison,” “In God We Trust,” “23rd President,” and the years of his term, “1889-1893.” The reverse features a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty, a design common to all Presidential Dollars, created by Don Everhart.
One of the most unique aspects of the 2012-S Harrison Dollar is the edge lettering. Unlike traditional coins where the date and mint mark are on the face, the Presidential series moved these details to the edge. If you hold the coin on its side, you will see “2012,” the “S” mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” Because the edge is inscribed after the coin is struck, errors can occasionally occur, though they are very rare for proof coins.
If you are unsure if your coin is a proof or just a very shiny uncirculated coin, CoinHix can assist you by comparing your coin’s luster to thousands of high-resolution images in its database. Proofs have a “wire rim”—a very sharp, squared-off edge—resulting from the high-pressure striking process. Business strikes (from Philadelphia or Denver) have more rounded edges and a satin-like finish rather than a mirror finish.
Why the 2012 Benjamin Harrison Mintage is Significant
To understand why a 2012-S Benjamin Harrison dollar is more interesting than a 2007 Washington dollar, we have to look at the mintage numbers. In the early years of the program, hundreds of millions of coins were minted. By 2012, interest had waned, and the public wasn’t using the coins for daily commerce. The government decided to drastically cut production.
The Philadelphia and Denver mintages for the Harrison dollar hovered around 5 million each. For the San Francisco Proof (the “S” mint), the mintage was approximately 1.18 million. While a million coins might sound like a lot, in the numismatic world, it is quite low for a modern dollar. This scarcity is what keeps the 2012 coins at a premium price compared to their predecessors.
| Mint Mark | Production Type | Approx. Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) | 5,600,000 |
| D (Denver) | NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) | 4,200,000 |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Only | 1,180,000 |
How to Handle and Store Your Harrison Dollar
If you find a 2012-S Benjamin Harrison dollar, the most important rule is: do not clean it. Many people find a coin that looks a bit dull and try to shine it up with vinegar, baking soda, or a cloth. This creates tiny scratches called “hairlines” that can instantly destroy the collector value of a proof coin. A PR-70 coin that is wiped with a tissue can instantly drop in value to a PR-63 or less.
Instead, handle the coin only by its edges. Better yet, use cotton gloves if you have them. To preserve the value of a high-grade specimen, store it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin capsule. Keeping the coin away from humidity and direct sunlight will prevent the copper-zinc-manganese-nickel composition from developing “toning” or spots, which some collectors dislike on modern proofs.
Before you spend it or tuck it away, use CoinHix to document your find. The app can help you create a digital inventory of your collection, making it easy to track the value of your coins over time. Collectors often find that while a single dollar isn’t a fortune today, having a complete set of 2012-S Presidential Dollars in high grade can be quite a valuable asset in the years to come.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Benjamin Harrison Dollar
FAQ
Q: Is the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison dollar made of gold?
A: No, it is not made of gold. All Presidential Dollars are composed of a pure copper core with an outer layer of 77% copper, 12% zinc, 7% manganese, and 4% nickel. This gives them their distinct golden color, but they contain no actual gold bullion.
Q: Why did I find a 2012-S dollar in my change if it wasn’t made for circulation?
A: While the Mint did not release these to banks for general use, many collectors or their heirs occasionally spend coins from sets. If someone breaks open a proof set and spends the coins, they enter “circulation,” though they technically shouldn’t be there. Once they are circulated, their value usually drops to exactly $1.
Q: What is the most expensive Benjamin Harrison dollar ever sold?
A: The highest prices are usually paid for perfect PR-70 Deep Cameo specimens or unique mint errors. While standard 2012-S proofs sell for $10-$50, a perfect grade coin certified by a top-tier service can sometimes fetch over $100 at specialized auctions when two collectors are competing to complete a set.
Q: Are there any known errors for the 2012 Harrison dollar?
A: Large-scale errors for the 2012 series are rare because production was so limited and quality control was higher for the collector-specific sets. However, collectors always look for “Missing Edge Lettering” errors. While none are widely publicized for the 1889-1893 Harrison S-mint, it is always worth checking the edge of the coin to ensure the date and mint mark are present.
Q: Where can I sell my 2012-S Benjamin Harrison dollar?
A: For common proof versions, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are your best bet. If you believe you have a perfect PR-70 specimen, it might be worth having it professionally graded first to maximize your profit. Using an app to estimate the grade before paying for professional services is a smart way to save money.
