Price Guide for 1859 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $89.00 – $34,500.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $4,050.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $5,780.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $18.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $425.00 – $21,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $460.00 – $1,540.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $29,900.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $699.00 – $3,572.54
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $875.00 – $18,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $167.00 – $1,080.00Uncirculated: $312.00 – $6,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $60.00 – $1,449.95
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $1,125.00Uncirculated: $1,200.00 – $8,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $259.00Uncirculated: $385.00 – $2,820.00
-
eBayCirculated: $249.95Uncirculated: $700.00 – $950.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $42.00 – $485.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $3,350.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $100.00Uncirculated: $1,980.00
-
eBayCirculated: $52.00 – $475.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $42.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $525.00 – $2,850.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,495.00 – $27,600.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $25,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1859 Cent
The 1859 Indian Head Cent marks the first year of issue for this iconic design, which would continue with modifications until 1909. This coin represents a significant transition in American coinage, replacing the earlier Flying Eagle cent. The introduction of the Indian Head design coincided with efforts to reduce production costs and address issues with the previous design’s striking quality.
| Weight | 4.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (all minted in Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 88% copper, 12% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Indian Head, designed by James Barton Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Laurel wreath with shield, designed by James Barton Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1859 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, high-grade examples (MS63 and above) are scarce and highly sought after by collectors. The coin’s copper-nickel composition tends to tone to a pale golden color over time, which can enhance its appeal if the toning is attractive and natural.
Key areas for grading include the hair details on Liberty’s portrait, particularly the feathers in the headdress, and the wreath details on the reverse. Strike quality can vary, with some examples showing weakness in the peripheral details. Luster is an important factor in determining grade and value for uncirculated specimens.
Mintage: 36,400,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its status as the first year of issue and historical significance
Several factors can enhance the value of an 1859 Indian Head Cent:
1. First-year status: As the inaugural issue of the series, it holds special appeal for collectors.
2. One-year type: The 1859 is the only year with this specific reverse design, making it a distinct type coin.
3. Original mint luster: Specimens retaining their original cartwheel luster are highly prized.
4. Strike quality: Well-struck examples with full details command a premium.
5. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known, subtle die differences can interest specialized collectors.
6. Historical significance: The coin’s role in the transition of U.S. coinage adds to its numismatic importance.
