Price Guide for 1871 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: $11.00 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $237.00 – $3,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.95 – $787.00Uncirculated: $299.99 – $2,499.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $22.00 – $760.00Uncirculated: $775.00 – $4,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,380.00 – $60,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $512.00Uncirculated: $380.00 – $6,820.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $38,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $299.00 – $423.00Uncirculated: $237.00 – $5,040.00
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eBayCirculated: $481.00Uncirculated: $299.99 – $2,607.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $350.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $119.00 – $179.95Uncirculated: $471.66 – $2,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $212.00 – $1,357.13Uncirculated: $2,040.00
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eBayCirculated: $235.00 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $1,675.00Uncirculated: $1,700.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,800.00 – $5,280.00
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eBayUncirculated: $699.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,400.00 – $15,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,800.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $805.00 – $1,760.00Uncirculated: $196.00 – $7,637.50
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eBayCirculated: $981.00Uncirculated: $493.00 – $8,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $415.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.25 – $12,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $755.00 – $2,024.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $625.00 – $9,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,358.00 – $28,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $875.00 – $30,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1871 Cent
The 1871 Indian Head Cent was part of the Indian Head cent series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin was produced during a period of economic recovery following the Civil War. The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, was well-received and remained in circulation for five decades, playing a significant role in everyday commerce.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Indian Head, designed by James Barton Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Oak wreath and shield, designed by James Barton Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1871 Indian Head Cent. Due to its age and moderate circulation, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or above.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster significantly increases value.
– Color: Original red or red-brown specimens command higher premiums than brown examples.
– Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks or blemishes are highly sought after.
Mintage: 3,929,500
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Shallow N variety, Bold N variety
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can further enhance the value of an 1871 Indian Head Cent:
1. Variety: The Shallow N and Bold N varieties can command a premium, especially in higher grades.
2. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can increase desirability among collectors.
3. Die state: Early die state examples with sharp details are often more valuable.
4. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or from famous collections may fetch higher prices.
5. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often command higher prices due to authenticated condition and authenticity.
