The 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from $2 in circulated condition to over $10 or more in pristine proof grades. If you stumbled across one of these coins and are wondering whether it’s a keeper or just pocket change, you’re in the right place — let’s break it all down in plain English.
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What Is the 2012-S B. Harrison Dollar Coin?
The 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar is part of the United States Mint’s Presidential Dollar Program, which ran from 2007 to 2016. Each year, the Mint honored multiple former U.S. presidents in order of their service. Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President, was featured in 2012 alongside Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland (first term), and Grover Cleveland (second term).
The “S” mintmark on your coin means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) versions, San Francisco issues were made specifically for collectors — not for everyday commerce. They were produced as proof coins, meaning they were struck multiple times with specially polished dies, giving them a sharp, mirror-like finish.
Because these were made for collectors rather than general circulation, the 2012-S Harrison Dollar tends to hold its value better than its Philadelphia or Denver counterparts. But how much is it actually worth? Let’s dig in.
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2012-S Harrison Dollar Value by Grade and Condition
The value of your coin depends heavily on its condition, or “grade” in collector speak. Proof coins from the San Francisco Mint are graded on a scale from PR60 to PR70, with PR70 being a perfect, flawless example.
If you want a quick way to identify and estimate the value of your coin at home, you might want to try a free coin identifier app that can scan your coin using your smartphone camera and give you an instant estimate.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar is worth at different grades:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR60 | Proof, noticeable marks | $2 – $4 |
| PR65 | Gem Proof, minor blemishes | $5 – $7 |
| PR69 | Near-perfect Proof | $8 – $12 |
| PR70 | Perfect Proof | $15 – $25+ |
| PR70 DCAM | Deep Cameo, perfect contrast | $20 – $35+ |
Deep Cameo (DCAM) coins have a stunning frosted portrait against a mirror-like background, and they’re the most desirable to collectors. If your coin has that sharp contrast, it could be worth more than a standard proof of the same grade.
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How Many Were Minted and Does That Affect Value?
Mintage numbers matter a lot in coin collecting. The higher the mintage, the more common the coin — and typically, the lower the value. The 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar had a mintage of approximately 1,438,743 coins, which is relatively modest compared to the billions of coins the Mint strikes for circulation each year.
That said, it’s not rare enough to be considered a scarce key date. Most examples in average proof condition sell for just a few dollars. However, top-pop examples graded PR70 DCAM by PCGS or NGC can attract more serious collector interest.
For up-to-date Presidential Dollar market prices and recent auction results, it’s worth checking dedicated numismatic platforms that track real sales data in real time.
You can also use CoinHix to look up recent sale prices and market trends for Presidential Dollars, including the 2012-S Harrison issue. CoinHix makes it easy to see what buyers are actually paying — not just estimated book values.
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What Makes a 2012-S Harrison Dollar More Valuable?
Not all 2012-S Harrison Dollars are equal. A few factors can push the value of your coin higher than the typical range:
Professional grading is one of the biggest value boosters. A coin certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) and sealed in a tamper-evident slab is far more trusted by buyers — and commands a premium.
Original government packaging also matters. Many of these coins were sold in proof sets directly from the U.S. Mint. A coin still in its original Mint packaging, unopened and untouched, is more attractive to serious collectors.
Eye appeal — that intangible quality of a coin that just looks stunning — can move the needle too. Even two coins with the same technical grade can sell for different prices if one has better luster, strike, and visual appeal.
For a more detailed look at how the 2012 Presidential and Sacagawea Dollar series are valued across grades and mint marks, numismatic reference guides and coin value apps can be incredibly helpful starting points.
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Should You Keep or Sell Your 2012-S Harrison Dollar?
Honestly, if your coin is in average proof condition, it’s not going to fund your vacation — but it’s still a lovely collectible piece of American history. Benjamin Harrison may be one of the lesser-known presidents, but his coins are a clean, well-struck series that many collectors enjoy building complete sets of.
If you’re thinking about selling, check recent completed sales on eBay or major auction platforms. A certified PR70 DCAM can fetch $20–$35 or more, while raw (ungraded) coins in proof condition typically bring $3–$8 from casual buyers.
If you’re not sure what you have, CoinHix is a great tool to quickly look up current market values, compare grades, and even find out if your specific coin has any notable varieties or errors that could make it more valuable.
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FAQ
Q: Is the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar rare?
A: No, it’s not considered rare. With nearly 1.5 million minted, it’s widely available. However, perfect examples graded PR70 DCAM by a major grading service are harder to find and worth more to collectors.
Q: Can I spend a 2012-S Harrison Dollar as legal tender?
A: Yes, Presidential Dollars are legal tender with a face value of $1. But spending a proof coin would be a loss — even in the lowest grades, it’s worth more than a dollar to collectors.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2012-S B. Harrison Dollar?
A: eBay is a popular option for reaching individual collectors. Coin shows, local coin dealers, and online auction houses like Heritage Auctions are also solid choices, especially if your coin has been professionally graded.
