2012 Benjamin Harrison Dollar Value: Is Your Coin Worth Money?

The 2012-D Benjamin Harrison Dollar is worth anywhere from $1.25 in circulated condition to over $50 in high-grade mint state. If you have found one of these golden-colored coins in your change or a desk drawer, you are likely wondering if it has any hidden collector value beyond its face value.

Condition	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$1.00 – $1.50
Uncirculated (Mint State 63-65)	$3.00 – $12.00
Choice Uncirculated (MS 66+)	$25.00 – $65.00+

History of the 2012-D Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar was released in 2012 as part of the United States Mint’s Presidential $1 Coin Program. This program, which began in 2007, sought to honor every deceased U.S. President in the order they served. Harrison, who served as the 23rd President from 1889 to 1893, was the third president featured in the 2012 lineup.

If you are unsure whether you have a genuine uncirculated specimen or a common pocket change find, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish the subtle differences that impact price. By 2012, the U.S. Mint had actually halted the production of dollar coins for general circulation due to low public demand.

As a result, all 2012 Benjamin Harrison dollars were produced only for collectors. This means you won’t typically find them in your grocery store change unless someone broke open a collector roll. Because these coins were sold at a premium by the Mint, many people use CoinKnow to track the current market trends and ensure they aren’t spending a coin that is worth much more to a specialist.

Mintage Figures and Rarity for the Denver Mint

The “D” mint mark on your coin indicates that it was produced at the Denver Mint facility. Because 2012 was the first year these coins were not released into general circulation, the production numbers are significantly lower than earlier years like 2007 or 2008. The Denver Mint struck approximately 5,600,000 Benjamin Harrison coins.

While 5.6 million sounds like a high number, it is quite low in the world of modern U.S. coinage. For comparison, some earlier presidential dollars had mintages exceeding 100 million. This relative scarcity is why the 2012 Presidential and Native American dollar prices remain higher than the face value of $1.00.

Collectors often look for “Position A” or “Position B” variations, which refer to the orientation of the edge lettering. Because the lettering (Date, Mint Mark, E Pluribus Unum) is applied in a separate process, it can appear either right-side up or upside down relative to the President’s portrait. Neither position is inherently rarer, but many enthusiasts collect both versions to complete their sets.

Mint Location	Mintage Quantity	Availability
2012-P (Philadelphia)	4,200,000	Collector Bags/Rolls
2012-D (Denver)	5,600,000	Collector Bags/Rolls
2012-S (San Francisco)	1,189,445	Proof Sets Only

Identifying Key Features of the Harrison Dollar

The obverse (front) of the coin features a portrait of Benjamin Harrison, his name, the years he served, and the phrase “23rd President.” The reverse (back) features a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty, which was common to all coins in the Presidential series. The composition is not gold, but rather a “manganese-brass” alloy over a core of pure copper.

Many beginners mistake the golden color for high value, but the metal itself is not precious. The true value lies in the condition. If your coin has scratches from being in a pocket with keys, it is likely only worth its face value or a small premium. If it looks like it just came out of a fresh roll, you should check the 2012 dollar coin value details to see if your specific grade fetches a higher price.

When examining your coin, look closely at the “incuse” edge lettering. Using CoinKnow can help you identify if there are any “Missing Edge Lettering” errors, which are very rare and highly valuable. On a standard 2012-D Harrison dollar, you should see the date “2012,” the “D” mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” engraved into the side of the coin.

Grading and How It Impacts Price

In the hobby of numismatics, grading is everything. A “Mint State” (MS) grade ranges from 60 to 70. Most 2012-D Benjamin Harrison coins found today are in the MS63 to MS65 range. Coins that achieve an MS67 or higher are considered “condition rarities” and can sell for hundreds of dollars at major auctions because very few exist in such perfect condition.

To be considered MS67, the coin must have nearly perfect luster and almost no visible marks even under magnification. Since these coins were often shipped in heavy bags, they frequently bumped into each other, creating “bag marks.” Finding one without these imperfections is difficult.

If you think you have a high-grade specimen, CoinKnow is an excellent tool for comparing your coin’s surfaces with professional grading standards. Most everyday finds will grade in the lower “Uncirculated” range, which still carries a modest premium over a dollar but doesn’t quite reach the “treasure” status of a top-tier grade.

Grade	Estimated Market Value
MS63	$2.50 – $4.00
MS65	$8.00 – $15.00
MS66	$20.00 – $35.00
MS67	$150.00+

Error Coins to Look For

Modern dollar coins are prone to several types of errors during the minting process. While most 2012-D Benjamin Harrison dollars are standard, keep an eye out for “Double Dies.” This happens when the die used to strike the coin has a doubled image, resulting in a slight blur or doubling of the letters or the President’s features.

Another rare error is the “Clipped Planchet,” where the round metal disc (the planchet) was cut improperly, leaving a crescent-shaped chunk missing from the coin. These errors can turn a $1 coin into a $50 or $100 item depending on the severity of the clip.

Always inspect the edge of the coin as well. While missing edge lettering was more common in 2007 (the “Godless Dollars”), it is still possible for a 2012 coin to skip the edge-incusing machine. A 2012-D Harrison dollar with a completely smooth edge would be a major find for any collector.

Should You Sell or Hold Your 2012 Harrison Dollar?

If you have a 2012-D Benjamin Harrison dollar, you might be debating whether to sell it now or keep it for the future. Currently, these coins are popular with people trying to complete their Presidential Dollar sets. Because they were not released for general use, their supply is fixed, which usually helps maintain value over time.

However, modern coins rarely see astronomical price jumps unless they are among the highest graded by companies like PCGS or NGC. If your coin is a standard uncirculated piece, it makes a great heirloom or a starting point for a collection. If you have a roll of them, selling them individually might net a small profit after fees.

Ultimately, the Benjamin Harrison dollar is a piece of American history. Whether it’s worth $1.25 or $100, the joy of the hobby is in the discovery. Keep your coins in a protective holder to prevent further wear, as even a small fingerprint can lower the grade over several years.

FAQ

Q: Is the 2012-D Benjamin Harrison Dollar made of real gold?

A: No, the coin is made of a mixture of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel. The golden color comes from the manganese-brass outer layer, but there is no actual gold in the coin.

Q: Why can’t I find these coins in my spare change?

A: In 2011, the Treasury Department decided to stop minting dollar coins for circulation because banks had too many of them in storage. From 2012 onward, they were only sold directly to collectors at a premium.

Q: What is the highest recorded price for a 2012-D Benjamin Harrison Dollar?

A: While average specimens sell for a few dollars, perfect grade MS68 examples have been known to sell for over $500 at professional auctions, though these are extremely rare.

Q: How can I tell if my coin is from the Denver Mint?

A: Look at the edge (the thin side) of the coin. You will see the year and a small letter “D” for Denver or “P” for Philadelphia engraved into the metal.