Price Guide for 1850 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: $13.00 – $4,313.00Uncirculated: $98.00 – $6,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $876.49Uncirculated: $103.70 – $20,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $285.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.80 – $6,900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $233.50 – $1,549.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $310.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8,225.00 – $32,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7,500.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $4,500.00Uncirculated: $489.00 – $20,125.00
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eBayUncirculated: $189.00 – $2,916.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $24,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00 – $152.75Uncirculated: $228.00 – $998.75
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eBayCirculated: $6.30 – $75.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $470.00 – $575.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,668.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $228.00 – $616.88
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eBayCirculated: $135.00Uncirculated: $231.00 – $375.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $764.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $90.00 – $156.00Uncirculated: $216.00 – $1,821.25
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eBayCirculated: $214.99 – $225.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $340.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,880.00 – $1,998.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $101.05 – $132.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $1,980.00
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eBayCirculated: $217.65Uncirculated: $315.00 – $395.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $63.00Uncirculated: $252.00 – $2,468.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00Uncirculated: $399.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $300.00Uncirculated: $270.00 – $646.00
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eBayUncirculated: $325.00 – $400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $352.50 – $1,410.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $180.00Uncirculated: $199.75 – $1,140.00
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eBayUncirculated: $149.50 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $310.00Uncirculated: $340.00 – $1,300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $305.50 – $3,055.00
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eBayUncirculated: $770.00 – $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $3,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,175.00 – $9,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,200.00 – $4,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00Uncirculated: $235.00 – $2,820.00
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eBayUncirculated: $232.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $310.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,440.00 – $3,565.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $9,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $300.00Uncirculated: $1,380.00
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eBayCirculated: $96.00Uncirculated: $490.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $305.50 – $823.00
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eBayCirculated: $38.00 – $105.00Uncirculated: $485.00 – $499.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $998.75 – $1,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $415.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,680.00 – $9,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,200.00 – $4,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $211.50Uncirculated: $408.00 – $1,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $320.00Uncirculated: $599.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $255.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,175.00 – $2,760.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $324.00Uncirculated: $493.50 – $1,527.50
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eBayCirculated: $88.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,230.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00Uncirculated: $408.00 – $8,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $335.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $780.00 – $2,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $885.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $120.00Uncirculated: $258.50 – $1,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $705.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $126.00Uncirculated: $446.50 – $1,020.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $340.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,820.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00Uncirculated: $675.63 – $940.00
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eBayUncirculated: $375.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,410.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19,975.00 – $21,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $223.25 – $528.00Uncirculated: $3,055.00
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eBayCirculated: $39.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $494.00 – $1,410.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $375.00 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $493.50 – $1,763.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $336.00 – $1,821.25
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $493.50 – $4,406.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,900.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $294.00Uncirculated: $162.00 – $1,528.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,140.00 – $5,405.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $2,820.00 – $3,290.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1,175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,462.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $294.00Uncirculated: $384.00 – $1,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $37.54 – $38.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $576.00 – $1,527.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00Uncirculated: $616.88 – $4,406.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,115.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $168.00 – $470.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $470.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,553.00 – $4,406.25
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $408.00 – $969.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,410.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,520.00 – $25,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,500.00 – $83,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19,550.00 – $82,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1850 Cent
The 1850 Cent, also known as the Braided Hair Large Cent, was part of the final series of large cents produced by the United States Mint. This coin represents a significant period in American numismatic history, as it was minted just a few years before the transition to smaller-sized cents in 1857.
The Braided Hair design, introduced in 1839, was a refinement of the earlier Classic Head design. It showcased a more mature and dignified portrayal of Liberty, reflecting the changing artistic tastes of the mid-19th century.
| Weight | 10.89 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 27.5 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| Composition | 100% Copper |
| Obverse Design | Braided Hair Liberty Head, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding 'ONE CENT', designed by Christian Gobrecht |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1850 Cent significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Due to their age and extensive circulation, high-grade examples are particularly scarce. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, especially MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting the coin’s condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks and abrasions increase value.
3. Color: Original red or red-brown specimens are highly prized.
4. Luster: Coins retaining original mint luster are more valuable.
Mintage: 4,426,844
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Several additional factors can influence the value of an 1850 Cent:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal and value.
2. Die state: Early die state examples with sharp details may command a premium.
3. Provenance: Coins with notable ownership history can be more valuable.
4. Overall eye appeal: Subjective attractiveness can significantly impact value.
While not a key date, the 1850 Cent is an important transitional issue in the Large Cent series, making it desirable to both type collectors and series specialists.
