Price Guide for 1816 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: $10.00 – $4,370.00Uncirculated: $3.15 – $25,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.00 – $1,733.00Uncirculated: $39.00 – $4,605.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $875.00Uncirculated: $925.00 – $13,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $576.00 – $8,813.00Uncirculated: $15,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2,000.00 – $10,000.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $121.00 – $3,200.00Uncirculated: $633.00 – $17,825.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,725.00 – $20,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,000.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $1,116.25Uncirculated: $793.13 – $4,320.00
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eBayCirculated: $719.00Uncirculated: $1,999.99 – $2,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $625.00Uncirculated: $700.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,020.00 – $4,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $3,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,600.00 – $21,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $4,700.00 – $7,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $1,703.75Uncirculated: $900.00 – $18,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00Uncirculated: $2,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00 – $870.00Uncirculated: $1,645.00 – $7,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $281.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,350.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,225.00 – $8,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,000.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $242.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $480.00Uncirculated: $1,116.25 – $4,406.25
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eBayCirculated: $250.00 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $650.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $870.00 – $19,975.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $19,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $1,469.00 – $6,169.00
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eBayCirculated: $51.00 – $780.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $1,250.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5,581.25 – $11,213.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $235.00 – $587.50Uncirculated: $1,440.00 – $4,370.00
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eBayCirculated: $69.85 – $299.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $825.00Uncirculated: $1,250.00 – $7,001.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,925.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,250.00 – $16,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1816 Cent
The 1816 Cent, also known as the Classic Head Large Cent, was minted during a significant period in American history. This year marked the post-War of 1812 era, a time of economic recovery and growth for the young nation. The Classic Head design, introduced in 1808, was in its final year of production in 1816, making this coin historically significant as the last of its type.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Classic Head, designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Wreath enclosing denomination, designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition is crucial for the 1816 Cent’s value. Due to the coin’s age and the fact that it circulated widely, high-grade examples are extremely rare. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better command significant premiums.
The quality of the strike can vary, affecting the coin’s appeal. Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable. Original red color, when present, can greatly enhance value, though most surviving specimens have turned brown over time.
Mintage: 2,820,982
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS60 and above
Varieties Errors: None particularly significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance as the last year of the Classic Head design adds to the coin’s appeal. Die varieties, while not as numerous or dramatic as in some earlier years, can affect value for specialist collectors.
Environmental damage, such as corrosion or heavy porosity, can significantly reduce value. Conversely, attractive natural toning can enhance appeal and value to collectors. The overall scarcity of high-grade examples means that even small differences in condition can result in large price differences.
