Price Guide for 1883 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 PriceUncirculated: $173.00 – $33,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $198.00 – $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $36,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $108.10Uncirculated: $21.00 – $4,025.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $321.00Uncirculated: $19.50 – $799.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $85.00Uncirculated: $90.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $159.00Uncirculated: $47.00 – $4,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $331.00Uncirculated: $125.59 – $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $5,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $29.00Uncirculated: $57.00 – $5,760.00
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eBayUncirculated: $56.77 – $1,239.22
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $704.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $36.00 – $1,035.00Uncirculated: $1,050.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $431.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,100.00 – $1,550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $64.00 – $715.00Uncirculated: $444.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.99 – $127.50Uncirculated: $160.00 – $202.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $155.00Uncirculated: $190.00 – $325.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $493.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $205.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $852.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $3,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00Uncirculated: $253.00 – $1,175.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00 – $220.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $567.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $260.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $529.00 – $940.00
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eBayCirculated: $119.11
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $325.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $55.00 – $115.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $125.00Uncirculated: $185.00 – $325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $237.06
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,042.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.40 – $5,581.25
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eBayUncirculated: $167.00 – $3,799.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $357.00 – $16,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $281.00 – $1,545.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,506.00 – $8,338.00
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eBayUncirculated: $210.00 – $1,026.76
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $8,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1883 Cent
The 1883 Indian Head Cent was part of the long-running Indian Head cent series, which began in 1859 and continued until 1909. This coin was minted during a period of economic stability following the tumultuous years of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, was well-established and popular by 1883, having been in circulation for over two decades.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 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 1883 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become increasingly valuable. Coins graded MS63 or higher command substantial premiums.
Red copper cents, which retain their original mint luster, are particularly desirable and valuable. Brown examples, which have fully toned, are more common and less valuable, while Red-Brown specimens fall in between.
Mintage: 45,591,500
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, as a type coin representative of the Indian Head series
Strike quality is an important factor for 1883 cents. Well-struck coins with full details, especially in the feathers of the headdress and the leaves of the wreath, are more valuable. Die state can also affect value, with early die state coins often showing sharper details.
Toning can add to the coin’s appeal and value if it’s attractive and natural. However, environmental damage, such as spotting or corrosion, can significantly decrease value. The presence of carbon spots, a common issue with copper coins, can also negatively impact value.
