Price Guide for 1823 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: $53.00 – $38,188.00Uncirculated: $13,800.00 – $19,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $4,402.00Uncirculated: $125.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $40,000.00Uncirculated: $47,500.00 – $375,000.00

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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.85 – $20,700.00Uncirculated: $3,680.00 – $21,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00 – $3,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $75.00 – $17,000.00Uncirculated: $23,500.00 – $32,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $528.00 – $2,600.00Uncirculated: $523.00 – $4,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,257.00 – $1,528.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00 – $1,375.00Uncirculated: $1,550.00 – $3,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,380.00Uncirculated: $14,400.00 – $20,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15,000.00 – $21,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $39,600.00 – $80,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $213.00Uncirculated: $1,035.00 – $12,075.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $805.00 – $4,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,600.00 – $4,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,495.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00 – $44,062.50Uncirculated: $242.00 – $376,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.00 – $1,610.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $44,500.00Uncirculated: $52,500.00 – $350,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $85.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $58.98 – $2,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $18,500.00Uncirculated: $32,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $33,600.00 – $51,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00 – $60,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1823 Cent
The 1823 Cent, also known as the Coronet Head or Matron Head Large Cent, was part of the early copper coinage of the United States. This coin represents a transitional period in American numismatics, as the country was still establishing its monetary system and refining its coin production techniques.
The design, created by Robert Scot, was an evolution of the earlier Classic Head cent and would continue to be refined in subsequent years. The 1823 Cent is particularly notable for its scarcity and historical significance in the series of early American copper coinage.
Weight | 10.89 grams |
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Diameter | 28-29 mm |
Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
Composition | 100% Copper |
Obverse Design | Liberty head facing left, 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 1823 Cent has a profound impact on its value and desirability. Due to its age and limited mintage, finding specimens in high grades is extremely challenging. Coins in VF (Very Fine) condition or better are highly sought after by collectors.
The quality of the strike, presence of original red color, and absence of environmental damage (such as corrosion or porosity) significantly affect the coin’s value. Well-preserved examples with good eye appeal command substantial premiums in the marketplace.
Mintage: Exact mintage unknown, estimated at 50,000-100,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in high grades (AU or better)
Varieties Errors: Normal Date, Restrike
Market Demand: High, due to its scarcity and importance in the series
The 1823 Cent is known for its rarity, with original strikes being exceptionally scarce. There are also restrikes believed to have been made in the 1830s, which are collectible in their own right but less valuable than original strikes.
Attribution of original strikes versus restrikes can significantly impact value. Experts often look at die characteristics and other subtle features to determine authenticity.
The historical significance of this coin as a key date in the early large cent series adds to its numismatic value. Provenance, especially if the coin can be traced to a famous collection, can further enhance its desirability and value.