Price Guide for 1905 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: $5.00 – $413.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $960.00
-
eBayCirculated: $2.25 – $96.50Uncirculated: $10.50 – $799.95
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $44.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $450.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.00 – $19,975.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $62.00 – $19,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $17,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $690.00Uncirculated: $184.00 – $11,750.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $274.93 – $960.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $8,150.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $121.00 – $3,335.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $160.50 – $1,025.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $115.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $3,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $44.00Uncirculated: $31.00 – $1,726.00
-
eBayCirculated: $46.25Uncirculated: $10.00 – $725.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55.00 – $850.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $396.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14.00 – $190.00Uncirculated: $220.00 – $425.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $0.95 – $5,405.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $183.50 – $1,699.99
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $6,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,819.00 – $23,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $26,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1905 Cent
The 1905 Indian Head Cent was part of the long-running series that began in 1859 and continued until 1909. This coin represents one of the final years of the Indian Head design, which was replaced by the Lincoln Cent in 1909. The Indian Head Cent was widely circulated and played a significant role in everyday commerce during the early 20th century.
| 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 a 1905 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become progressively more valuable. Coins graded MS63 and above command substantial premiums, with those in MS65 or higher being quite scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting the coin’s desirability include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on the Indian’s headdress and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster, particularly if it’s full and cartwheel-like, greatly enhances the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Color: Natural, original red or red-brown color is preferred over brown. Full red specimens are the most valuable.
4. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or other imperfections are more desirable.
Mintage: 80,719,163
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
While the 1905 Indian Head Cent is not considered a key date, certain factors can increase its value:
1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance the coin’s appeal and value, especially for high-grade specimens.
2. Die varieties: Although no major varieties are known for this year, minor die variations or repunched dates might interest specialized collectors.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or those from famous collections can command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for more than raw (ungraded) coins.
The 1905 Indian Head Cent, while common, remains popular among collectors as part of the iconic Indian Head series and as a representative of early 20th-century American coinage.
