The 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar is worth anywhere from $2 in circulated condition to around $10 or more in pristine proof-like grades. If you just found one of these coins in an old collection or a forgotten drawer, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it’s worth and why.
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What Is the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar?
The 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar is part of the United States Presidential Dollar coin series, which ran from 2007 to 2016. These coins honor former U.S. presidents in the order they served, and Benjamin Harrison — the 23rd president — got his portrait featured on coins struck in 2012.
The “S” in the name tells you everything about where this coin was made: the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” and “D” mint marks found on coins meant for general circulation, the “S” mint mark means this coin was produced as a proof coin, specifically for collectors.
Proof coins are struck with special dies on polished planchets, giving them that mirror-like background and sharp, frosted design details. They’re not made for spending — they’re made for saving. If you’re using a free coin identifier app to figure out what you’ve got, you’ll likely see it pop up right away as a San Francisco proof issue. Tools like CoinKnow make identifying these coins fast and easy, even if you’re brand new to coin collecting.
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How Much Is the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar Worth?
The value of the 2012-S Harrison Dollar depends heavily on its condition and whether it’s been professionally graded. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (ungraded, original packaging) | $2 – $5 |
| PR 69 DCAM (NGC or PCGS) | $6 – $12 |
| PR 70 DCAM (NGC or PCGS) | $15 – $30+ |
| Circulated / Damaged | Face value ($1) |
Most 2012-S Harrison Dollars you’ll find sitting in a proof set are worth a few dollars above face value. The real money comes when you have a coin that grades PR 70 Deep Cameo — the highest possible grade — from a top-tier grading service like PCGS or NGC.
The mintage for the 2012-S Harrison Dollar was relatively modest, as proof sets are produced in far smaller numbers than circulation strikes. That limited supply helps support collector demand over time.
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How the 2012-S Differs From Other 2012 Presidential Dollars
You might be wondering how the “S” mint version stacks up against the regular 2012 Philadelphia (“P”) and Denver (“D”) versions. The difference is significant.
The Philadelphia and Denver coins were made for everyday circulation, with mintages in the millions. The San Francisco proof version was made in much smaller numbers and is aimed squarely at collectors. If you want to see how other 2012 dollar coin issues are priced across different grades and mint marks, that kind of side-by-side comparison can really help you understand the full picture.
Beyond Harrison, the 2012 Presidential Dollar series also included coins honoring Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland (first term), and Grover Cleveland (second term) — making 2012 one of the more interesting years in the series.
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Is the 2012-S Harrison Dollar a Good Coin to Collect?
For casual collectors and beginners, yes — this is a very approachable coin. It’s affordable, historically interesting, and easy to find in original U.S. Mint proof sets.
Presidential Dollars as a series have a growing collector base, and complete proof sets in original mint packaging tend to hold their value better than individual coins. If you’re building a Presidential Dollar set, the 2012-S Harrison is a must-have piece.
For more serious investors, the PR 70 DCAM examples offer the best upside. These perfect-grade coins are scarce and tend to attract dedicated collectors willing to pay a premium.
If you want to dig deeper into current market values for 2012 dollar coins and what similar issues are selling for, it’s worth doing your homework before buying or selling. Apps like CoinKnow let you scan your coin and get instant value estimates — super handy when you’re at a coin show or sorting through an estate collection.
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Tips for Storing and Selling Your 2012-S Harrison Dollar
If your coin came in an original U.S. Mint proof set box, keep it there. The original packaging adds value and protects the coin from scratches and environmental damage.
Never clean your coin — ever. Even a gentle wipe can leave hairline scratches that slash the value dramatically, especially on a proof coin where every surface detail matters.
If you think you have a high-grade example, consider submitting it to PCGS or NGC for professional grading. A PR 70 DCAM certification can more than triple what you’d get selling it raw. CoinKnow can help you pre-screen your coin’s condition before you decide whether professional grading is worth the fee.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar is real?
A: Look for the “S” mint mark on the edge of the coin and the detailed, mirror-like proof finish. Real proof coins have a sharp contrast between the frosted design and the shiny background. A free coin identifier app can help you verify the details quickly.
Q: Can I spend my 2012-S Harrison Dollar as regular currency?
A: Technically yes — it’s legal tender worth $1. But please don’t. Even a lightly circulated proof coin loses most of its collector premium immediately. It’s worth more as a collectible than as a dollar bill.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2012-S Harrison Dollar?
A: eBay is the most popular option for individual coins, especially if you have original packaging or a graded example. Coin dealers, local coin shows, and auction houses are also solid choices. For graded PR 70 coins, specialist auction platforms often get the best prices.
