Price Guide for 1837 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.65 – $2,115.00Uncirculated: $115.00 – $9,693.75
-
eBayCirculated: $9.99 – $558.00Uncirculated: $105.50 – $775.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $475.00 – $7,350.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $391.00Uncirculated: $103.00 – $69,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $496.00Uncirculated: $105.50 – $528.80
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35,000.00 – $75,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1.55 – $3,680.00Uncirculated: $138.00 – $9,775.00
-
eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $535.00Uncirculated: $235.70 – $1,826.41
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $540.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $25,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $720.00Uncirculated: $253.00 – $2,970.00
-
eBayCirculated: $22.25 – $415.00Uncirculated: $199.95 – $850.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $725.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $6,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $340.00 – $5,175.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $35,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $106.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,840.00 – $8,518.75
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $9,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $6,600.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $9,775.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $11,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $805.00 – $35,650.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 – $42,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $81.00 – $499.38Uncirculated: $211.50 – $2,400.00
-
eBayCirculated: $39.00 – $196.00Uncirculated: $510.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $3,300.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,055.00 – $3,360.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $850.00 – $4,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00 – $528.00Uncirculated: $336.00 – $4,994.00
-
eBayCirculated: $22.51Uncirculated: $712.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $3,300.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,113.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,250.00 – $8,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $403.00 – $2,585.00
-
eBayCirculated: $55.00Uncirculated: $235.50 – $925.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $2,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,160.00 – $3,819.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,050.00 – $8,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $176.25 – $630.00Uncirculated: $432.00 – $3,055.00
-
eBayCirculated: $21.09 – $284.89
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,080.00 – $2,938.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.75 – $999.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $3,290.00
-
eBayCirculated: $33.22 – $166.50
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $650.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $6,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,240.00 – $4,112.50
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $325.20 – $2,820.00
-
eBayCirculated: $199.06
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,937.50 – $16,800.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161.00 – $1,645.00Uncirculated: $1,495.00 – $4,113.00
-
eBayCirculated: $125.00 – $245.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $96.00 – $432.00Uncirculated: $552.00 – $2,820.00
-
eBayCirculated: $132.08 – $230.25Uncirculated: $139.95 – $689.04
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $510.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $2,450.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,820.00 – $6,600.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $4,600.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $334.00Uncirculated: $492.00 – $1,762.50
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $150.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,525.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.00 – $420.00Uncirculated: $440.63 – $3,525.00
-
eBayCirculated: $12.15 – $325.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $510.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $2,300.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,055.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $121.00 – $408.00Uncirculated: $305.50 – $35,250.00
-
eBayCirculated: $54.25 – $299.95
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $510.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $25,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,350.00 – $9,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,300.00 – $3,350.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00 – $408.00Uncirculated: $204.00 – $2,880.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $510.00Uncirculated: $550.00 – $3,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,120.00 – $9,400.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,812.50
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $142.18 – $216.00Uncirculated: $576.00 – $5,405.00
-
eBayCirculated: $187.50
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,800.00 – $4,956.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $199.75 – $1,880.00Uncirculated: $4,113.00
-
eBayCirculated: $41.00 – $66.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $1,850.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $132.00 – $408.00Uncirculated: $480.00 – $1,997.50
-
eBayCirculated: $246.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,057.50 – $3,819.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,600.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $42,300.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00 – $1,997.50Uncirculated: $1,645.00 – $6,463.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00 – $1,035.00Uncirculated: $19,200.00 – $22,325.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $80,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $480.00Uncirculated: $42,300.00
-
eBayCirculated: $29.23 – $150.00Uncirculated: $281.00 – $450.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $36,425.00
-
eBayCirculated: $179.50 – $249.95Uncirculated: $722.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $99,875.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1837 Cent
The 1837 Cent, also known as the Coronet Head or Young Head Cent, represents a significant transition in U.S. coinage. It was the first year of Christian Gobrecht’s new design, which replaced the Classic Head design. This coin marked the beginning of a long-running series that would continue with minor modifications until 1857.
The introduction of this new design coincided with improvements in minting technology, resulting in higher quality strikes and more consistent production. The 1837 Cent is historically significant as it bridges the gap between early American coinage and the more modern era of coin production.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Coronet Head (Young Head) Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'ONE CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1837 Cent significantly impacts its value. As a copper coin over 180 years old, high-grade specimens are particularly scarce. Coins in Mint State conditions are highly sought after and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Original red color: Cents retaining their original mint luster and red color are extremely rare and valuable.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck examples with full details are more desirable.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or corrosion are more valuable.
4. Even toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
Mintage: 5,558,300
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to age and copper composition
Varieties Errors: Plain Hair Cords, Beaded Hair Cords
Market Demand: High, due to first year of issue and historical significance
Variety collecting adds another dimension to the 1837 Cent’s value. The two main varieties, Plain Hair Cords and Beaded Hair Cords, can command different premiums based on rarity and collector demand.
The historical significance as the first year of the Coronet Head design makes this coin particularly appealing to type set collectors and those interested in U.S. coinage history.
Lastly, the overall scarcity of high-grade examples due to the coin’s age and composition means that well-preserved specimens, especially those with original red color, can be quite valuable and are eagerly sought by advanced collectors.
