Price Guide for 1877 Twenty Cents 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: $1,430.00 – $4,830.00Uncirculated: $19.25 – $39,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $174.95 – $4,995.00Uncirculated: $57.39 – $7,652.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4,000.00 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $6,500.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,760.00 – $37,375.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8,584.00 – $10,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,000.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,100.00 – $57,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17,500.00 – $60,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1877 Twenty Cents
The 1877 Twenty Cent piece was part of a short-lived denomination that was minted from 1875 to 1878. It was introduced as an attempt to alleviate a shortage of small change in the western United States, but it was quickly discontinued due to public confusion with the quarter dollar. The 1877 issue was produced only in very limited quantities for proof sets, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in American numismatics.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty seated design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with outstretched wings, designed by William Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1877 Twenty Cent pieces has a significant impact on their value. For the proof issues from Philadelphia, cameo contrast and deep mirror-like fields are highly prized. Even small imperfections can greatly affect value due to the coin’s rarity.
For the San Francisco issues, well-struck examples with minimal bag marks and good luster are extremely desirable. The rarity of high-grade specimens means that even small differences in condition can result in large price variations.
Mintage: 510
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None known
Market Demand: High, due to its extreme rarity and importance to the series
Mintage: 12,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None known
Market Demand: High, due to low mintage and historical significance
Historical significance plays a major role in the value of 1877 Twenty Cent pieces. As one of the last years of a short-lived denomination, these coins are crucial for type set collectors.
The extreme rarity of both the proof and circulation strikes makes them highly sought after by advanced collectors. The low mintage figures, especially for the proof issues, contribute significantly to their value.
Toning can also affect value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums. However, originality is key, and any signs of cleaning or tampering can severely impact value.
