Price Guide for 1892 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: $11.00 – $306.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $499.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $899.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $68.00Uncirculated: $72.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $184.00 – $8,518.75
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eBayUncirculated: $328.00 – $880.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $240.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $81.00 – $2,128.00
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eBayUncirculated: $174.00 – $1,084.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00Uncirculated: $36.00 – $1,527.50
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eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $65.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $64.00 – $9,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $5,617.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $28,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $423.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $23.00 – $172.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $770.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $245.00 – $575.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $121.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $390.00 – $625.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $990.00
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eBayCirculated: $289.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $240.00Uncirculated: $1.50 – $3,055.00
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eBayUncirculated: $161.45 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $180.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $661.00 – $5,520.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,384.00 – $1,488.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $3,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1892 Cent
The 1892 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 recovery following the Panic of 1873, reflecting the nation’s gradual return to prosperity. The Indian Head design, despite its name, actually depicts Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, symbolizing freedom and the country’s indigenous heritage.
| 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 1892 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, specimens in uncirculated condition become increasingly valuable. Coins graded MS63 or higher are particularly desirable among collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include the presence of original mint luster, the absence of significant contact marks or wear on high points, and the overall eye appeal of the coin. Red coins (those retaining their original copper color) are typically more valuable than brown examples.
Mintage: 37,649,832
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important consideration for 1892 cents. Well-struck coins with sharp details, particularly in the feathers of the headdress and the lettering, command higher premiums. Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning often enhancing a coin’s desirability.
While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1892 cent are scarce and sought after by collectors assembling high-quality Indian Head cent sets. The overall preservation of the coin, including factors like surface quality and the absence of environmental damage, plays a crucial role in determining its market value.
