Price Guide for 1872 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: $15.00 – $1,020.00Uncirculated: $264.00 – $3,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $399.50 – $2,942.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $810.00Uncirculated: $825.00 – $4,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00Uncirculated: $734.00 – $126,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,499.99 – $5,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $403.00Uncirculated: $9.50 – $3,120.00
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eBayUncirculated: $597.00 – $3,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $300.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $3,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $29.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $403.00 – $10,638.00
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eBayUncirculated: $479.00 – $5,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $329.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $763.75
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eBayCirculated: $115.00 – $305.00Uncirculated: $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $855.00Uncirculated: $925.00 – $1,900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,160.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $2,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161.00 – $881.00Uncirculated: $1,560.00 – $7,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00 – $525.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $940.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $10,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,425.00 – $2,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,250.00 – $15,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $470.00Uncirculated: $397.00 – $5,052.50
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eBayCirculated: $1,641.16Uncirculated: $495.00 – $2,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,645.00Uncirculated: $374.00 – $12,925.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $7,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,725.00 – $10,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $12,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1872 Cent
The 1872 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, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was chosen to symbolize liberty and the nation’s indigenous heritage.
The year 1872 saw relatively low mintage numbers compared to some other years in the series, making coins from this year more desirable to collectors.
| 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
The condition of an 1872 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to its age and moderate circulation, finding high-grade examples can be challenging. Coins in Uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly valuable and sought after by collectors.
Red copper coins, which retain their original mint luster, are the most desirable and valuable. Red-Brown examples are next in value, followed by Brown specimens. The presence of full details in Liberty’s headdress and the wreath on the reverse also adds to the coin’s value.
Mintage: 4,042,000
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
Strike quality is an important factor for 1872 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details command higher premiums. The Shallow N and Bold N varieties can add value for variety collectors.
Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning sometimes enhancing a coin’s appeal. However, environmental damage, such as corrosion or heavy cleaning, can significantly reduce a coin’s value.
As a key date in the Indian Head Cent series, the 1872 issue is in high demand among collectors trying to complete date sets, which contributes to its overall value and desirability in the numismatic market.
