The 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar Coin is worth anywhere from $2 to $10 in typical proof condition, with specially graded examples reaching $30 or more. If you’ve found one of these coins and are wondering what it’s worth, you’re in the right place — let’s break it all down.
What Is the 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar Coin?
The 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar is part of the United States Presidential Dollar series, which ran from 2007 to 2016. Each year, the U.S. Mint honored former presidents in the order they served, and Chester A. Arthur — the 21st President — was featured in 2012. The “S” mint mark means this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and it was produced exclusively as a proof coin for collectors. That means it was never released into general circulation. These coins were sold directly to collectors through special proof sets, giving them a mirror-like finish and sharp design details. If you’re not sure which coin you have, a free coin identification app can help you quickly confirm the mint mark, design, and year before you try to price it out. Tools like CoinHix make this process even easier — just scan your coin and get instant results.
2012-S Arthur Dollar Value by Grade
Proof coins are graded on the standard Sheldon scale from 1 to 70, but most 2012-S Arthur dollars you’ll encounter fall in the PR-65 to PR-70 range since they were handled carefully from the start. The value really climbs once you hit the PR-70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation, which represents a perfect coin with frosted relief against a mirror-like field.
| Grade | Designation | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | Cameo | $2 – $4 |
| PR-67 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $4 – $8 |
| PR-69 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $8 – $15 |
| PR-70 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $20 – $35+ |
These values can shift depending on the market and whether the coin has been certified by PCGS or NGC. Certified PR-70 DCAM examples tend to command the strongest premiums among collectors.
How Many Were Minted and Why That Matters
The 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar had a mintage of approximately 1.4 million coins — relatively low compared to the early years of the Presidential Dollar program, which saw mintages in the tens of millions for circulation strikes. Lower mintage means stronger long-term collector interest, especially for top-grade examples. Because these were proof-only coins sold in sets, most were preserved in original packaging or sent for grading. That said, lower mintage doesn’t automatically mean high value — the demand side still plays a big role. For up-to-date 2012 Presidential Dollar market pricing and recent sale data, checking a live coin pricing tool is the smartest move before buying or selling.
Where to Sell or Buy the 2012-S Arthur Dollar
If you want to sell your 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar, you have several solid options. eBay is the most popular marketplace for individual coin sales and gives you a good sense of what buyers are actually paying (check “sold listings” for real prices, not just asking prices). Coin dealers and local coin shows are also worth visiting, especially if you have a certified coin. For collectors looking to buy, certified coins from PCGS or NGC offer the most peace of mind. Before listing or purchasing, check the current estimated value of 2012 dollar coins in various grades so you can negotiate with confidence. The CoinHix app is a great companion here — it aggregates recent auction results so you always know what the market is doing in real time.
Tips for Collectors Who Are Just Getting Started
If you stumbled onto the 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar and it sparked your interest in collecting, welcome to a great hobby. Presidential Dollars are an accessible and affordable series to collect — you can build a complete set without breaking the bank. The key is learning how to evaluate condition. Proof coins should be stored in original holders or hard plastic cases to preserve their finish. Even a few fingerprints can drop a coin from PR-70 to PR-68, which makes a real difference in value. Consider downloading CoinHix to track your collection, monitor price changes, and identify any coins you’re unsure about. It’s one of the most practical tools available for everyday collectors who want to stay informed.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar made of silver?
A: No, it is not. The 2012-S Arthur Dollar is composed of a manganese-brass clad composition — the same material used for all Presidential Dollar coins. It contains no silver or gold. There was no silver version produced for this particular coin.
Q: Can I find the 2012-S Arthur Dollar in pocket change?
A: Very unlikely. The “S” mint mark indicates it was produced only as a proof coin at the San Francisco Mint and sold in collector sets. It was never released into general circulation, so finding one in your change would be extremely rare and would suggest it came from a broken-up proof set.
Q: Does having the original U.S. Mint packaging increase the value?
A: Yes, it can help, especially for casual buyers and newer collectors. However, for serious numismatists, what matters most is the coin’s grade. A PR-70 DCAM coin without packaging is worth more than a PR-65 coin still in its original box. For maximum value, consider having a high-quality example certified by PCGS or NGC.
