Price Guide for 1821 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 – $6,325.00Uncirculated: $2,820.00 – $21,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.50 – $2,025.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $108.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $8,500.00Uncirculated: $11,000.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5,000.00 – $32,500.00Uncirculated: $5,290.00 – $48,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18,500.00 – $82,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,625.00 – $58,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $36,000.00 – $41,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00 – $70,000.00Uncirculated: $26,400.00 – $43,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $36,500.00 – $41,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00 – $14,688.00
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eBayCirculated: $820.00 – $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $7,250.00Uncirculated: $10,000.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $38,188.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00 – $9,988.00Uncirculated: $11,100.00 – $24,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $22.50 – $1,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $7,250.00Uncirculated: $10,000.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $28,800.00 – $31,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $17,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $29,900.00 – $54,625.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15,275.00 – $99,875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $54,500.00 – $75,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,400.00
Design and Specifications of the 1821 Cent
The 1821 Cent, also known as the Coronet Head Large Cent, was part of the early American coinage system. This coin represents a crucial period in U.S. numismatic history, as the young nation was establishing its currency and economy. The design, introduced in 1816, was a continuation of the Classic Head cents but with modifications to improve striking quality and durability.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, with flowing hair and a coronet inscribed 'LIBERTY', designed by Robert Scot |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'ONE CENT' and fraction '1/100', designed by Robert Scot |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1821 Cents. Due to their age and the copper composition, many surviving specimens show significant wear or environmental damage. Coins with clear details, good strike quality, and minimal surface issues command substantial premiums.
The presence of original mint red color, even if only partial, can significantly increase value. Specimens with attractive, even toning are also highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 389,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: N1 to N6 varieties identified by Newcomb
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Die varieties are an important consideration for 1821 Cents. Newcomb varieties (N1 to N6) are recognized and collected, with some being rarer than others. The N2 variety, for example, is considered the scarcest.
Early Date Large Cents are popular among numismatists, and the relatively low mintage of the 1821 issue makes it a key date in the series. This factor, combined with the general historical significance of early American coinage, contributes to strong demand and potentially higher values for well-preserved examples.
