The 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar Coin is worth anywhere from $3 to $10 for most circulated or proof examples, with specially graded mint-state coins occasionally reaching $15 to $25 or more. If you found one of these coins in a collection or inherited it from a family member, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what it’s worth and why.
What Is the 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar Coin?
The 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar is part of the U.S. Presidential Dollar series, which ran from 2007 to 2016 and honored former U.S. presidents in order of their service. Chester A. Arthur was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. His portrait appears on the obverse of this coin, along with his name, the inscription “21st President,” and his years in office.
The “S” mint mark on this coin means it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and coins from that facility were produced exclusively as proof coins for collectors. Unlike coins from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D), the San Francisco issues were never intended for everyday circulation. They were sold directly to collectors in special proof sets, which is why they typically have a more polished, mirror-like finish.
If you’re trying to identify this coin or any other coin in your collection, a good coin identifier and value app can save you a lot of time and guesswork — especially when mint marks and dates can be hard to read with the naked eye.
How Much Is the 2012-S Arthur Dollar Worth in Different Conditions?
The value of this coin depends heavily on its condition and grade. Since the 2012-S was made as a proof coin, most examples will show sharp details and a reflective surface. However, condition still matters — especially if the coin was removed from its original packaging or mishandled over the years.
Here’s a quick value breakdown based on coin grade:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Proof (Raw, Ungraded) | $3 – $8 |
| PR 65 (Graded by PCGS/NGC) | $8 – $12 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $12 – $20 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $20 – $30+ |
A PR 70 Deep Cameo is the highest possible grade, meaning the coin is in absolutely perfect condition with no blemishes, stunning contrast between the frosted design and mirror-like fields. These are rare and tend to attract serious collectors. You can check current value data for 2012 dollar coins to get an up-to-date sense of what the market is doing right now.
Mintage Numbers and Why They Matter
The 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar had a relatively low mintage compared to the Philadelphia and Denver versions. The San Francisco Mint produced these strictly for proof sets, meaning the total output was limited to collector demand that year.
Low mintage doesn’t automatically mean high value, but it does mean these coins are less commonly found in bulk. Most of them ended up in original U.S. Mint proof sets or Presidential Dollar proof sets, which are still widely available on the secondary market for reasonable prices.
If you’re curious about how this coin compares to other coins from the same year, CoinHix is a great tool for checking mintage data and real-time market prices all in one place.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is the Real Deal
Counterfeit Presidential Dollars are not a huge concern since the face value is just $1, but you still want to make sure you’re identifying your coin correctly. The 2012-S Arthur Dollar should have:
– A clear “S” mint mark on the obverse (front) of the coin
– The edge inscription reading “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the year and mint mark
– A golden/brass color with sharp, proof-quality strike
– Chester Arthur’s portrait on the front and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse
If any of these details look off, it may be worth a second look. CoinHix lets you cross-reference coin details quickly so you can verify authenticity without needing to visit a dealer. For hands-on identification, you can also look up detailed pricing data for 2012 Presidential and Native American dollar coins to compare related issues from the same year.
Is It Worth Selling or Holding Onto?
For most people, the 2012-S Arthur Dollar is more of a sentimental or starter-collection piece than a major financial asset. Raw, ungraded examples rarely exceed $10 in today’s market. However, if you happen to have one that’s been professionally graded PR 69 or PR 70 Deep Cameo, it could be worth submitting to PCGS or NGC for certification before selling.
If you’re sitting on a larger collection of Presidential Dollars, it may be worth getting everything appraised together. Sometimes the combined value of a complete set is greater than selling individual coins. Use CoinHix to get a full picture of your collection’s worth before making any decisions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2012-S Chester A. Arthur Dollar rare?
A: It’s not considered rare in the traditional sense, but it does have a limited mintage compared to the business-strike versions from Philadelphia and Denver. Most examples exist in proof condition, having been sold directly to collectors. A perfect PR 70 example is harder to find and carries a modest premium.
Q: Can I spend the 2012-S Arthur Dollar as regular money?
A: Technically, yes — it’s still legal tender worth $1. But since it’s a proof coin with collector value above face value, spending it would be a waste. Hold onto it, especially if it’s still in its original packaging.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 2012-S Arthur Dollar?
A: eBay is one of the most accessible platforms for selling coins like this one. You can also try coin shows, local coin dealers, or online marketplaces like PCGS CoinFacts or Heritage Auctions if the coin has been professionally graded. Always check recent sold listings to set a fair asking price.