This guide is based on my personal obersvations, numerous reference catalogs, guides and almost 40 years of coin collecting and a general fondness for the entire liberty nickel series.

The 1912-S Liberty was at the end of an era.  The Liberty nickel, which began life in 1883, was coming to an end.  1912 was the first years that "branch" mints began to strike U.S. nickels.  The Denver mint struck over eight million 1912 coins, ( which, is also, a better date )  so the 238,000 struck by the San Francisco mint were at the time, little more than an after-thought.  I have always felt the 1912-S to be overlooked and terribly underrated.  Let's compare it to the other rarity of roughly the same time, the 1916-D Mercury dime.The merc had a mintage of 264,000, 26,000 more than the 1912-S.  It is also four years newer and a higher denomination.  Let's compare current trends...the 1912-S trends between G-4-F-12 150.00-300.00, The 1916-D trends between G-4-F-12  800.00-2400.00  !!!!!!!!!!!!! I think the 1912-S is much more rare, especially above fine. ( One thing to bear in mind, very often, a 1912-s will sell for above its market trend  price in grades above fine )  Oh sure, the 19I6-D Mercs are just more popular with collectors, hence the much higher trends, so naturally the demand is  much greater.  I believe the 1912-S is a coin to invest in and watch.  Since I quit collecting them in 1999 the prices have nearly double and they are sure to increase greatly in coming years. My advise to collectors is to get one while you can.  The beautiful 1912-S Liberty Nickel...A true sleeper that is way overdue!!!!!!!!!!!  Thank you-   DANNY ANABLE "CANADA COIN NUT "   ___JULY 2006