Price Guide for 1861 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 – $288.00Uncirculated: $83.00 – $63,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $481.50Uncirculated: $36.00 – $3,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $285.00 – $70,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.85 – $31,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $95.00 – $406.58Uncirculated: $750.00 – $6,555.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $313.00 – $2,115.00
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eBayUncirculated: $770.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $120.00 – $640.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,760.00 – $55,812.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,150.00 – $57,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1861 Cent
The 1861 Indian Head Cent was minted during a pivotal year in American history, as it marks the beginning of the Civil War. This coin represents the third year of the Indian Head Cent series, which began in 1859 and continued until 1909. The design, created by James Barton Longacre, features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse, symbolizing American liberty with a nod to the country’s indigenous heritage.
The composition of 88% copper and 12% nickel was relatively new, having been introduced in 1856 to replace the larger pure copper cents. This alloy gave the coins a whitish appearance, leading to their nickname ‘white cents‘ or ‘nicks‘.
| Weight | 4.67 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.0 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 1861 Indian Head Cents significantly impacts their value. Due to the soft copper-nickel alloy used, these coins were prone to wear and often show signs of circulation. Uncirculated examples, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are quite scarce and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially in the feathers and diamonds of the headdress, are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster, when present, adds significant value.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or corrosion are highly sought after.
4. Color: Original, attractive toning can enhance value, while unappealing toning or cleaned surfaces can detract from it.
Mintage: 10,100,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to the soft copper-nickel alloy
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a role in the value of 1861 cents. As coins minted at the outbreak of the Civil War, they hold special interest for collectors of both coins and Civil War memorabilia.
Die varieties, while not as prominent as in some other years, can add value for specialists. Collectors may pay premiums for coins showing doubled dies or repunched dates, though these are relatively minor for this year.
The overall scarcity of high-grade examples means that even small improvements in condition can lead to significant increases in value, particularly for coins grading MS64 and above.
