Price Guide for 1812 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: $2.10 – $9,200.00Uncirculated: $2,415.00 – $44,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.00 – $4,500.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $7,400.00Uncirculated: $8,500.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $3.55 – $11,500.00Uncirculated: $1,380.00 – $49,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $33.00 – $3,250.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $80.00 – $6,500.00Uncirculated: $7,500.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00 – $9,200.00Uncirculated: $5,875.00 – $15,863.00
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eBayCirculated: $122.22 – $3,206.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $7,250.00Uncirculated: $8,500.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $48.00Uncirculated: $44,062.50 – $69,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $28,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,000.00 – $15,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $7,344.00Uncirculated: $4,993.75 – $55,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $95.55 – $465.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $6,000.00Uncirculated: $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $391.00Uncirculated: $24,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $67.00 – $4,350.00Uncirculated: $2,820.00 – $21,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $235.00 – $2,959.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $4,500.00Uncirculated: $15,000.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $9,694.00Uncirculated: $5,405.00 – $105,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $120.00 – $1,280.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $7,250.00Uncirculated: $8,500.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00Uncirculated: $37,200.00
Design and Specifications of the 1812 Cent
The 1812 Cent, also known as the Classic Head Cent, was part of a series minted from 1808 to 1814. This coin was produced during a significant period in American history, coinciding with the War of 1812 against Great Britain. The Classic Head design represented a shift from the previous Draped Bust design and was an attempt to improve the aesthetic appeal of American coinage.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia Mint only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Classic Head design, featuring Liberty facing left with flowing hair, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding denomination 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1812 Cent. Due to the coin’s age and extensive circulation, finding high-grade examples is challenging. Coins in Extremely Fine (XF) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
The quality of the strike, presence of original red color, and absence of environmental damage significantly impact value. Coins with smooth, problem-free surfaces and good eye appeal command substantial premiums.
Mintage: 1,075,500
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS60 and above
Varieties Errors: Large Date and Small Date varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Date size varieties can affect value, with the Small Date variety being scarcer and more valuable. The quality of the planchet used for striking can also influence desirability, as many 1812 cents suffer from poor quality planchets.
Historical significance related to the War of 1812 adds to the coin’s appeal. Additionally, attractive natural toning can enhance value, with rich chocolate brown or red-brown colors being particularly desirable to collectors.
