Price Guide for 1888 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00 – $23,500.00Uncirculated: $587.00 – $74,750.00
-
eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $16,050.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,100.00 – $34,000.00Uncirculated: $75,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.00 – $932.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $4,600.00
-
eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $195.00Uncirculated: $42.99 – $1,055.77
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $115.00Uncirculated: $120.00 – $600.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,415.00 – $72,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80,000.00 – $90,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $52.00 – $233.00Uncirculated: $77.00 – $3,300.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $147.50 – $1,699.95
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $135.00 – $2,650.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00
-
eBayCirculated: $5.49 – $932.40Uncirculated: $39.88 – $431.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $69.00 – $1,880.00
-
eBayCirculated: $49.00 – $642.00Uncirculated: $26.10 – $1,375.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $120.00 – $2,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $201.00 – $63,250.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $195.00 – $5,724.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $130.00 – $28,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $57.20 – $1,265.00Uncirculated: $165.00 – $9,200.00
-
eBayCirculated: $180.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $975.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $38.00 – $635.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $1,300.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $764.00 – $2,530.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00 – $2,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $380.00
-
eBayCirculated: $36.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $44.00 – $265.00Uncirculated: $310.00 – $400.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $325.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $145.00Uncirculated: $175.00 – $475.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $720.00 – $43,200.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.40 – $3,966.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $201.00 – $865.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $3,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $98.00 – $15,275.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $556.06 – $9,630.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $8,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,370.00 – $18,400.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $11,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1888 Cent
The 1888 Indian Head Cent is part of the Indian Head cent series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin was produced during a period of economic stability and growth in the United States, following the recovery from the Civil War. The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, was well-received and remained in circulation for half a century, making it an important part of American numismatic history.
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1888 Indian Head Cent. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, specimens in high Mint State grades (MS65 and above) are scarce and highly sought after. Collectors pay particular attention to:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details on the Indian’s headdress and the wreath are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster, especially if cartwheel-like, can significantly increase value.
3. Color: Original red or red-brown specimens command a premium over brown examples.
4. Surface preservation: Coins free from noticeable marks, scratches, or spots are more valuable.
Mintage: 37,489,832
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of Indian Head cents
Other factors affecting the 1888 Cent’s value include:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal and value.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics might appeal to specialized collectors.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history can command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices.
While not a key date, the 1888 Indian Head Cent in high grades is an important type coin and is always in demand among collectors building high-quality Indian Head cent sets.
