Price Guide for 1860 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: $11.00 – $2,300.00Uncirculated: $57.00 – $52,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.05 – $255.00Uncirculated: $82.00 – $4,072.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $245.00 – $56,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $44.00 – $353.00Uncirculated: $156.00 – $32,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.00 – $320.00Uncirculated: $158.70 – $6,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4.50 – $10,638.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,095.00 – $6,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $550.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $126.00Uncirculated: $264.00 – $13,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $68.10Uncirculated: $410.00 – $1,295.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $16.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $415.00 – $40,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,875.00 – $24,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $17,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1860 Cent
The 1860 Indian Head Cent marks an important year in American history, being minted on the eve of the Civil War. This coin represents the second year of the Indian Head Cent series, which began in 1859 and continued until 1909. The design by James Barton Longacre features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, a somewhat controversial choice at the time.
The composition of 88% copper and 12% nickel was relatively new, having been introduced the previous year to replace the larger copper cents. This alloy gave the coins a whitish appearance, leading to their nickname ‘White Cents’ or ‘Nicks’.
| Weight | 4.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 88% copper, 12% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Indian Head, designed by James Barton Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Oak wreath and shield, designed by James Barton Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1860 Indian Head Cents significantly impacts their value. Due to their soft composition, these coins were prone to wear and damage during circulation. High-grade specimens (MS63 and above) are considerably scarce and command strong premiums.
Luster is a crucial factor, with coins retaining their original mint luster being highly prized. The strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples showing full details in Liberty’s headdress and the wreath on the reverse being more desirable.
Toning can also affect value, with attractive, natural toning often enhancing a coin’s appeal to collectors. However, environmental damage, such as corrosion or spotting, can significantly decrease value.
Mintage: 20,566,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to the soft composition prone to nicks and marks
Varieties Errors: Pointed Bust and Rounded Bust varieties
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of Indian Head Cents and Civil War era coins
The 1860 Indian Head Cent has some interesting factors that can affect its value:
1. Pointed Bust and Rounded Bust varieties: These subtle differences in the design can command slight premiums among variety collectors.
2. Historical significance: Being minted on the eve of the Civil War adds to its appeal for history enthusiasts and Civil War era collectors.
3. First years of series: As one of the earlier issues in the Indian Head Cent series, it holds additional interest for collectors trying to assemble complete sets.
4. Die states and errors: While not particularly common, any significant die errors or late die states can increase value for specialists.
5. Original ‘White Cent’ appearance: Examples that retain their original whitish color due to the nickel content are particularly desirable to collectors.
