Price Guide for 1804 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: $26.50 – $223,250.00Uncirculated: $374.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $8,397.00Uncirculated: $580.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $675.00 – $195,000.00Uncirculated: $210,000.00 – $600,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $546.00 – $4,230.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,150.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $2,300.00Uncirculated: $6.30 – $8,912.50
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eBayCirculated: $495.00 – $935.69Uncirculated: $890.00 – $2,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,050.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $605.00 – $10,575.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $352.50 – $193,875.00Uncirculated: $540,500.00 – $661,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $595.95 – $10,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $550.00 – $185,000.00Uncirculated: $200,000.00 – $600,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1804 Cent
The 1804 Cent is a significant coin in American numismatics. It was part of the Draped Bust series, which began in 1796 and continued until 1807. This coin was minted during a period of transition in early American coinage, as the young nation was establishing its monetary system.
The 1804 date is particularly notable because it marks the last year of the ‘Stemless Wreath’ reverse design before the introduction of the ‘Stems to Wreath’ variety in 1805. This makes the 1804 Cent an important transitional piece in the evolution of early American copper coinage.
Weight | 10.89 grams |
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Diameter | 29 mm |
Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia Mint only) |
Composition | 100% Copper |
Obverse Design | Draped Bust portrait of Liberty facing right, designed by Robert Scot |
Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'ONE CENT' and fraction '1/100', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1804 Cent has a profound impact on its value. Due to the age of these coins and their extensive circulation, high-grade examples are extremely rare. Coins in Extremely Fine (XF) condition or better command significant premiums.
Original red color is highly prized but seldom seen. Most surviving specimens display various shades of brown. Smooth, problem-free surfaces are crucial for maximum value, as many of these cents suffer from corrosion, environmental damage, or cleaning.
Mintage: 756,838
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS60 and above
Varieties Errors: Stemless Wreath Reverse, Spiked Chin variety
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1804 Cents. Well-struck examples with full detail in Liberty’s hair and the wreath leaves are more desirable. The ‘Spiked Chin’ variety, showing a die defect resembling a spike on Liberty’s chin, can command a premium.
Provenance can significantly enhance value, especially for coins with a history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections. Additionally, original, undisturbed patina is highly valued by collectors, as it attests to the coin’s originality and lack of improper cleaning or conservation efforts.