Price Guide for 1844 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: $9.00 – $6,038.00Uncirculated: $242.00 – $9,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $599.00 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $7,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $25.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,035.00 – $4,313.00
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eBayCirculated: $50.00 – $907.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $1,650.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $7,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $156.00 – $288.00Uncirculated: $408.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayCirculated: $295.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $3,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $173.00 – $3,910.00Uncirculated: $2.75 – $7,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $950.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,038.00 – $6,900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,990.00 – $33,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00 – $42,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $252.63 – $408.00Uncirculated: $558.00 – $1,740.00
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eBayCirculated: $37.00 – $1,060.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $26.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00 – $840.00Uncirculated: $1,410.00 – $2,160.00
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eBayCirculated: $24.54 – $96.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $3,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,170.00 – $3,120.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $124.00 – $352.50Uncirculated: $840.00 – $3,055.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $2,300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,056.00 – $5,520.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $109.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $456.00 – $4,230.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $575.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,230.00 – $5,875.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $126.00 – $999.00Uncirculated: $528.00 – $4,935.00
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eBayUncirculated: $895.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00 – $910.00Uncirculated: $950.00 – $2,300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,818.75
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11,500.00 – $18,212.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $152.75 – $1,645.00Uncirculated: $504.00 – $9,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $61.00 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $45.00 – $1,750.00Uncirculated: $1,900.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,925.00 – $76,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13,800.00 – $16,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $13,000.00 – $26,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9,350.00 – $55,812.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25,000.00 – $34,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $63,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $178.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,812.50 – $18,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,000.00 – $17,625.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $22,425.00
Design and Specifications of the 1844 Cent
The 1844 Cent, also known as the Braided Hair or Coronet Head Large Cent, was part of the series minted from 1839 to 1857. This design represented the final evolution of the large cent before the transition to smaller copper-nickel cents in 1857. The year 1844 saw a significant increase in production compared to previous years, reflecting the growing demand for coinage in the expanding American economy.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Coronet Head (Braided Hair) Liberty, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'ONE CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1844 Cents. While the mintage was relatively high, finding specimens in high grades can be challenging due to the coin’s age and extensive circulation.
Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are scarce and highly valued. The presence of original red color on uncirculated coins can significantly increase their desirability and value. Even in circulated grades, coins with smooth, problem-free surfaces and good eye appeal command premiums.
Mintage: 2,398,752
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1844 Cents. Well-struck examples with full details, especially in the hair and wreath, are more desirable. Natural toning can enhance a coin’s appeal, with rich, even brown color being preferred over spotty or uneven toning.
While no major varieties or errors are known for this year, minor die variations can add interest for specialized collectors. The presence of any original mint luster, even on circulated examples, can increase the coin’s value. Lastly, provenance from notable collections can add a premium to high-grade specimens.
