Price Guide for 1877 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: $125.00 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $1,410.00 – $71,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.09 – $4,999.00Uncirculated: $250.50 – $8,188.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $385.00 – $4,400.00Uncirculated: $4,500.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $1,468.75 – $8,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $295.00 – $2,439.95Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $6,145.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,650.00 – $2,675.00Uncirculated: $2,800.00 – $7,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00 – $2,530.00Uncirculated: $1,495.00 – $36,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $341.09 – $699.99Uncirculated: $4,150.00 – $14,980.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,700.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,540.00 – $2,185.00Uncirculated: $2,415.00 – $149,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $1,950.00Uncirculated: $11,400.00 – $12,442.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,000.00 – $140,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,350.00 – $3,680.00Uncirculated: $15.95 – $23,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,901.00 – $22,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $19,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $805.00 – $97,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,150.00 – $9,867.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,150.00 – $62,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,600.00 – $36,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,000.00 – $36,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1877 Cent
The 1877 Indian Head Cent is one of the most famous and sought-after coins in American numismatics. It was produced during a time of economic uncertainty following the Panic of 1873. The low mintage of this year’s cent, combined with its historical significance, has made it a key date in the Indian Head Cent series, highly prized by collectors.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Indian Head, designed by James Barton Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Oak wreath surrounding 'ONE CENT', designed by James Barton Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1877 Indian Head Cent. Due to its rarity, even low-grade examples command significant premiums. Well-preserved specimens with original red color are extremely scarce and highly valuable. The strike quality can vary, with some examples showing weakness in the diamonds on the Indian’s headdress. Coins with full strike and good luster are particularly desirable.
Mintage: 852,500
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Shallow N variety, Doubled Liberty variety
Market Demand: High, consistently sought after by collectors and investors
Varieties can add substantial value to an 1877 cent. The Shallow N variety, where the N in ONE on the reverse appears flatter, and the Doubled Liberty variety, showing doubling on LIBERTY, are both sought after by specialists. Original red color is extremely important for high-grade examples, with full red specimens commanding significant premiums. The overall scarcity of this date means that demand consistently outstrips supply, keeping prices high across all grade levels.
