Price Guide for 1839 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: $23.00 – $1,840.00Uncirculated: $207.00 – $21,275.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.51 – $775.00Uncirculated: $127.51 – $4,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,050.00 – $35,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.50 – $9,200.00Uncirculated: $184.00 – $10,063.00
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eBayCirculated: $33.00 – $750.00Uncirculated: $1,030.00 – $4,054.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $26.00 – $875.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00Uncirculated: $16,100.00 – $29,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5,000.00 – $28,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.00Uncirculated: $207.50 – $360.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2.50 – $661.00Uncirculated: $92.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $67.66 – $795.00Uncirculated: $525.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $590.00Uncirculated: $625.00 – $21,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.75 – $52,900.00Uncirculated: $16,800.00 – $264,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $222.22 – $1,799.10
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $325.00 – $65,000.00Uncirculated: $275,000.00 – $375,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $978.00Uncirculated: $190.00 – $13,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $21.00 – $579.00Uncirculated: $1,399.00 – $3,219.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $950.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $15,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $374.00 – $12,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $700.00 – $22,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $47.00 – $84.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $230.00Uncirculated: $575.00 – $9,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,750.00 – $15,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $102.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $17,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $216.00 – $633.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $3,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.99Uncirculated: $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $3,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,225.00 – $25,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $16,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $763.75Uncirculated: $431.00 – $12,925.00
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eBayCirculated: $89.99 – $133.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $500.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $8,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $138.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $675.63Uncirculated: $288.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayCirculated: $149.00 – $325.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,050.00 – $14,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,925.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,750.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $65.00 – $2,280.00Uncirculated: $2,233.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $216.00 – $275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $1,050.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,638.00 – $10,575.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.00 – $881.25Uncirculated: $2,530.00 – $4,406.00
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eBayCirculated: $69.00 – $177.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $1,850.00 – $6,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $55,812.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $74.00 – $242.00Uncirculated: $705.00 – $3,720.00
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eBayCirculated: $37.00 – $481.76
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $6,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $50.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $998.75 – $5,287.50
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eBayCirculated: $199.95 – $298.27
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $4,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $1,208.00 – $3,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $326.11
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $110.00 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $1,260.00 – $9,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $43.05 – $300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,080.00 – $25,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $4,993.75Uncirculated: $7,050.00
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eBayCirculated: $53.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $400.00 – $525.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $95.00 – $780.00Uncirculated: $384.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayCirculated: $235.00 – $261.77
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $850.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $6,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,400.00 – $10,575.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $660.00 – $780.00Uncirculated: $1,920.00 – $28,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $249.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,300.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,750.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $108.00 – $10,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $99.99 – $110.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,900.00 – $6,500.00Uncirculated: $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $64,625.00Uncirculated: $376,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $525.00 – $5,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $325.00 – $65,000.00Uncirculated: $325,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,070.00 – $34,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,150.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $207.00Uncirculated: $4,830.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $1,763.00Uncirculated: $1,035.00 – $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $141.00 – $325.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $975.00Uncirculated: $1,150.00 – $15,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $37,600.00 – $38,188.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,650.00 – $45,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1839 Cent
The 1839 Cent marks a significant transition in American coinage. This year saw the introduction of the Braided Hair design by Christian Gobrecht, which would continue with minor modifications until 1857. The new design was part of a broader effort to improve the aesthetic quality of American coinage, reflecting the nation’s growing confidence and artistic aspirations.
This coin represents the last year of the larger, heavier cent before the reduced size was introduced in 1840. The 1839 Cent thus serves as a bridge between the earlier Classic Head design and the later, more refined Braided Hair cents that would become a staple of mid-19th century American commerce.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Head (Braided Hair), designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath of laurel leaves enclosing denomination 'ONE CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of the 1839 Cent has a significant impact on its value. Due to its age and the soft nature of copper, high-grade specimens are exceptionally rare. Coins in Mint State condition, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
Strike quality is crucial, as many 1839 Cents suffer from weak strikes, particularly on the hair details of Liberty. Original red color is highly prized, though most surviving specimens have toned to various shades of brown. Problem-free surfaces without corrosion or significant marks are also key factors in determining value.
Mintage: 3,128,661
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above due to soft copper and long circulation
Varieties Errors: Booby Head variety, Head of 1840 variety
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens and notable varieties
Several factors can further enhance the value of an 1839 Cent:
1. Varieties: The ‘Booby Head’ and ‘Head of 1840’ varieties are particularly sought after by collectors and can command significant premiums.
2. Die State: Late die state examples showing interesting die cracks or cuds can be valuable to specialists.
3. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors can see increased value.
4. Toning: While original red color is most desirable, attractive, even toning can also enhance value.
5. Historical Significance: As a transitional year, the 1839 Cent holds special appeal for collectors of early American coinage, potentially driving up demand and value.
