Price Guide for 1841 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.25 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $282.00 – $9,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.19 – $760.00Uncirculated: $115.04 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $6,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $187.00 – $10,575.00Uncirculated: $3,450.00 – $19,388.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,500.00 – $29,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $411.00Uncirculated: $517.00 – $13,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $15,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $184.00 – $299.00Uncirculated: $6,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.00 – $646.00Uncirculated: $810.00 – $5,040.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $42.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $925.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $617.00Uncirculated: $1,140.00 – $3,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $525.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $2,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,115.00 – $3,120.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,620.00 – $18,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $1,058.00Uncirculated: $1,762.50 – $6,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.05 – $245.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00 – $1,325.00Uncirculated: $1,400.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $1,092.00Uncirculated: $646.00 – $5,640.00
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eBayCirculated: $215.00 – $285.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $42.00 – $535.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,600.00 – $8,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $432.00Uncirculated: $564.00 – $3,360.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00 – $113.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $925.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,880.00 – $9,106.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,150.00 – $15,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $173.00 – $11,000.00Uncirculated: $4,485.00 – $31,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 – $27,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00 – $138.00Uncirculated: $9,775.00 – $34,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $19,500.00 – $28,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,520.00 – $12,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,750.00 – $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,800.00 – $28,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,250.00 – $27,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1841 Cent
The 1841 Cent, also known as the Large Cent, was part of the Braided Hair series which began in 1839. This design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was a refinement of the earlier Classic Head cent. The year 1841 saw a significant increase in cent production compared to previous years, reflecting the growing demand for small change in commerce.
The absence of mint marks on these coins indicates they were all struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only facility producing cents at that time. The Large Cent would continue to be minted until 1857, when it was replaced by the smaller Flying Eagle cent.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Braided Hair) design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'ONE CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1841 Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to the soft nature of pure copper, these coins were prone to wear and environmental damage. Coins with original red color are particularly prized, as most have toned to brown over time.
Higher grade examples, especially those in Mint State, command substantial premiums. The quality of the strike can vary, with well-struck coins showing full details in Liberty’s hair and the wreath on the reverse being more desirable.
Mintage: 1,597,367
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to the soft nature of pure copper
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Toning can play a significant role in the desirability of 1841 Cents. Coins with attractive, even toning are often more valuable than those with spotty or unappealing coloration. The presence of original mint luster, especially beneath the toning, can greatly enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1841 Cent are scarce and valuable. Collectors often seek these coins as part of complete date runs of Large Cents or as type coins representing the Braided Hair design.
