The 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar is worth anywhere from $4 in circulated proof condition to over $45 in perfect deep cameo specimens. While these golden-colored coins look ancient or rare, they were actually part of a modern series designed to honor the nation’s leaders, and finding one in your change is a treat.

Condition	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Proof)	$4.00 – $6.00
PR 69 (Near Perfect)	$12.00 – $18.00
PR 70 (Perfect Grade)	$45.00+

What Is the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar?

The Benjamin Harrison dollar is the 23rd release in the Presidential $1 Coin Program, which began in 2007. This specific coin honors Benjamin Harrison, who served as the 23rd President of the United States from 1889 to 1893. What makes the 2012-S edition particularly interesting is that it was not intended for general circulation.

By 2011, the U.S. Mint ended the production of Presidential dollars for everyday commerce due to a massive surplus in Federal Reserve vaults. Consequently, 2012 coins like the Harrison dollar were only sold directly to collectors at a premium. If you found one in your pocket change, it was likely broken out of a collector set. If you are unsure about a coin you’ve found, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a proof coin.

Collectors often turn to CoinKnow to track the rarity of these modern issues. Because the Benjamin Harrison dollar features “S” mint mark, it indicates it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) versions, these were exclusively struck as Proof coins, featuring a mirror-like finish and frosted details.

The “S” Mint Mark and Production Scarcity

The San Francisco Mint is famous among numismatists for producing high-quality proof sets. In 2012, the mintage for the Benjamin Harrison proof dollar was approximately 1,438,252. While a million coins might sound like a lot, it is significantly lower than the tens of millions produced in the early years of the program.

The scarcity of these coins is driven by the fact that they were never released to banks. To get one, someone had to buy a 2012 Proof Set or a specific Presidential Dollar set from the Mint. Therefore, the 2012 Benjamin Harrison dollar value information suggests that high-grade examples are the primary focus for investors.

When examining your coin, look for the “S” on the edge of the coin. Since 2007, the Presidential series has used “Edge-Incused Inscriptions.” This means the date, the mint mark, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum” are engraved along the side of the coin rather than on the face. CoinKnow users often share photos of these edges to verify the authenticity of their finds.

Mint Mark	Production Type	Approx. Mintage
P (Philadelphia)	Circulation Strike (NIFC)	5,600,000
D (Denver)	Circulation Strike (NIFC)	4,200,000
S (San Francisco)	Proof Strike	1,438,252

Grading the 1889-1893 President’s Coin

When we talk about the value of the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar, condition is everything. Professional graders use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. Since these are proof coins, they are expected to be in “Proof” (PR) condition.

A coin graded PR 65 is considered a “Choice Proof.” It will have few distracting marks and great eye appeal. However, the real value jumps when you reach PR 69 or the elusive PR 70. A PR 70 coin is flawless even under 5x magnification. For most casual collectors, the current price data for 2012 dollar coins shows that common proof coins sell for just a few dollars, but “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) versions attract higher bids.

Deep Cameo refers to the contrast between the shiny, reflective background (the fields) and the thick, white frosting on the portrait of Benjamin Harrison. To preserve this value, you should never touch the face of the coin with your fingers, as the oils can damage the delicate proof finish. Many collectors use CoinKnow to store digital records of their graded coins.

Design Elements of the Harrison Dollar

The obverse (heads side) of the coin features a dignified portrait of Benjamin Harrison. It was designed and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. It includes the inscriptions of his name, the years he served, and “23rd President.”

The reverse (tails side) features a stunning rendition of the Statue of Liberty, designed by Don Everhart. This reverse is common to all coins in the Presidential series. It emphasizes the theme of democracy and freedom, which aligns with Harrison’s presidency, known for the Sherman Antitrust Act and the McKinley Tariff.

Because these coins are “golden” in color but contain no actual gold, they are often confused with Sacagawea dollars. However, the Benjamin Harrison dollar is composed of a pure copper core with an outer layer of manganese brass. This alloy gives it the signature yellow hue that many Americans find appealing.

Are There Any Rare 2012-S Error Coins?

One of the most exciting parts of coin collecting is searching for errors. For the Presidential series, the most famous errors involve “Missing Edge Lettering.” Because the edge inscriptions are applied in a separate step from the main strike, some coins escaped the mint without the date or mint mark.

However, since the 2012-S coins were proof issues, they underwent much stricter quality control than the business strikes from Philadelphia or Denver. Consequently, major errors on the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison dollar are extremely rare.

If you do happen to find a coin that looks like it has a double strike or is missing its edge lettering, it could be worth hundreds of dollars. Always have these verified by a professional or cross-reference them with the database on CoinKnow. Most “errors” found in pocket change are actually just post-mint damage, so keep a sharp eye out for legitimate manufacturing flaws.

Market Trends and Investment Potential

Is the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar a good investment? Generally, modern proof coins are produced in enough volume that they won’t make you a millionaire overnight. However, they are a stable part of the hobby.

The market for these coins usually peaks when a new generation of collectors enters the market. Because the 2012 issues were not released for circulation, they have a “built-in” rarity compared to the 2007-2010 coins. As the years pass, sets are broken up and coins are lost or damaged, making the surviving PR 70 specimens more desirable.

For those looking to build a complete set of Presidential Dollars, the 2012-S Benjamin Harrison is a necessary “key” coin. It represents the transition period where the U.S. Mint shifted away from mass production toward a collector-only model.

Year/Mint	Design	Typical Quality
2012-P	Harrison (Uncirculated)	MS 63-65
2012-D	Harrison (Uncirculated)	MS 63-65
2012-S	Harrison (Proof)	PR 67-70

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Benjamin Harrison dollar made of real gold?

A: No, the coin does not contain any gold. It is made of a copper core with a manganese brass cladding, which gives it a golden appearance. The total metal value is quite low, but the collector value is what drives the price.

Q: Why isn’t the date on the front of the coin?

A: The Presidential $1 Coin Act required the date, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” to be moved to the edge of the coin to allow for larger, more detailed portraits on the obverse.

Q: How can I tell if my 2012-S Harrison dollar is a Proof?

A: Proof coins have a mirrored background that you can almost see your reflection in. They will also feature the “S” mint mark on the edge. If the coin looks dull or “sandy,” it is likely a circulated “P” or “D” coin.

Q: Can I spend this coin at a grocery store?

A: Yes, it is legal tender and worth exactly one dollar at any business. However, since the collector value is at least $3-$5, it is better to sell it to a coin shop or keep it in your collection.

Q: What is the most ever paid for a 2012-S Benjamin Harrison Dollar?

A: While most sell for under $20, perfect PR 70 Deep Cameo examples graded by PCGS or NGC have occasionally sold for $50 to $100 at auction when buyers are looking to complete “Registry Sets.”