Price Guide for 1849 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: $1.50 – $5,581.25Uncirculated: $104.00 – $37,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.51 – $353.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $937.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $22.00 – $435.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $5,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,225.00 – $29,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $44.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,250.00 – $21,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $458.25 – $3,450.00Uncirculated: $413.00 – $7,762.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,070.00 – $12,075.00
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eBayCirculated: $234.99Uncirculated: $1,795.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $162.00 – $660.00Uncirculated: $552.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.14 – $350.00Uncirculated: $525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $825.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,292.50 – $2,280.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00 – $360.00Uncirculated: $504.00 – $2,937.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $160.00 – $485.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $3,900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,525.00 – $4,935.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $80.00Uncirculated: $384.00 – $2,280.00
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eBayCirculated: $330.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,291.00 – $3,840.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $258.50 – $264.00Uncirculated: $480.00 – $4,582.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $5,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,880.00 – $3,642.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $192.00Uncirculated: $1,351.00 – $1,880.00
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eBayCirculated: $82.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,820.00 – $3,819.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $176.25 – $646.00Uncirculated: $1,020.00 – $1,821.25
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $312.00Uncirculated: $822.50 – $2,115.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $250.00 – $485.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,520.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $528.00 – $3,525.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.00 – $446.50Uncirculated: $3,290.00
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eBayCirculated: $32.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $940.00 – $1,997.50
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eBayCirculated: $60.00 – $70.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $485.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $2,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $558.13 – $2,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $29.99 – $41.08
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $465.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,175.00 – $2,280.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,650.00 – $5,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $329.00Uncirculated: $564.00 – $1,410.00
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eBayCirculated: $30.07 – $345.00Uncirculated: $475.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $325.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $390.00Uncirculated: $660.00 – $3,290.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.00Uncirculated: $1,997.50 – $2,115.00
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eBayUncirculated: $195.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,640.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $376.00Uncirculated: $3,525.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,795.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00 – $180.00Uncirculated: $264.00 – $1,175.00
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eBayCirculated: $43.00 – $305.00Uncirculated: $690.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $475.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.00 – $384.00Uncirculated: $990.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00 – $235.00Uncirculated: $168.00 – $3,055.00
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eBayCirculated: $395.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $465.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $3,900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,762.50 – $8,813.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,700.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00Uncirculated: $1,175.00 – $1,997.50
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eBayUncirculated: $899.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,300.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $617.00 – $2,820.00
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eBayCirculated: $113.00Uncirculated: $478.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $22,325.00Uncirculated: $28,200.00 – $41,125.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75 – $168.00Uncirculated: $353.00 – $1,645.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $135.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $329.00Uncirculated: $348.00 – $1,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $405.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $279.60 – $4,347.50
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eBayCirculated: $79.17
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,818.75
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $153.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $376.00 – $960.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $725.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $3,290.00 – $7,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,750.00Uncirculated: $5,940.00 – $35,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,500.00 – $33,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,040.00 – $14,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,750.00 – $17,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,400.00 – $30,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17,500.00 – $30,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,640.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1849 Cent
The 1849 Cent, also known as the Braided Hair Large Cent, was part of the final series of large cents produced by the United States Mint. This year is particularly significant in American history due to the California Gold Rush, which began in 1848 and reached its peak in 1849. The influx of gold into the economy would eventually lead to changes in U.S. coinage, including the introduction of the smaller-sized cent in 1857.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 100% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Braided Hair), designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath of laurel leaves enclosing denomination, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1849 Cents. While circulated examples are relatively common, coins in uncirculated condition become increasingly scarce and valuable. Factors such as original mint luster, absence of significant contact marks, and overall eye appeal significantly impact desirability.
Coins graded MS65 or higher are particularly rare and command substantial premiums. The presence of original red color (RD designation) on copper cents can greatly enhance value, especially in higher grades.
Mintage: 4,178,500
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: 1849 'Small Date' variety
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
The 1849 ‘Small Date’ variety is notable and can command a premium, especially in higher grades. Collectors also value coins with attractive, natural patina or toning.
Strike quality is an important consideration, as some 1849 Cents may exhibit weakness in certain areas, particularly on the reverse wreath. Well-struck examples with full detail are more desirable.
As with many copper coins, the absence of corrosion, spotting, or environmental damage is crucial for maintaining value. Coins with smooth, problem-free surfaces are highly sought after by collectors.
