Price Guide for 1865 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 – $1,725.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $2,820.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.07 – $225.00Uncirculated: $30.00 – $883.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $165.00Uncirculated: $175.00 – $2,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $411.00Uncirculated: $47.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.99 – $291.00Uncirculated: $99.99 – $2,685.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14.00 – $230.00Uncirculated: $240.00 – $675.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $129.00 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $2,185.00 – $4,888.00
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eBayCirculated: $150.00 – $1,605.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $1,375.00Uncirculated: $1,600.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $80.00 – $374.00Uncirculated: $196.00 – $3,407.50
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $183.50Uncirculated: $58.00 – $1,245.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $3,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $31.00 – $3,172.50Uncirculated: $63.00 – $3,055.00
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eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $1,111.11
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $185.00 – $2,900.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,070.00Uncirculated: $132.00 – $66,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $341.25 – $3,299.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $215.00 – $24,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.00 – $104.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $4,080.00
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eBayUncirculated: $160.00 – $1,340.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $155.00 – $28,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 – $29,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $102.00 – $127.00Uncirculated: $264.00
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eBayUncirculated: $141.13
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $260.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $505.25
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $325.00 – $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,370.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,600.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,955.00 – $3,055.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,150.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00 – $185.00
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eBayUncirculated: $695.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $725.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $1,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $40.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $646.25
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eBayCirculated: $338.33 – $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $725.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $905.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,320.00Uncirculated: $5.75 – $4,888.00
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eBayUncirculated: $195.00 – $1,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,380.00Uncirculated: $805.00 – $15,275.00
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eBayCirculated: $735.11Uncirculated: $150.00 – $1,542.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,070.00 – $25,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $31,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $795.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $881.25 – $2,173.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $186.00Uncirculated: $144.00
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eBayCirculated: $125.00 – $215.00Uncirculated: $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $31.00 – $280.00Uncirculated: $290.00 – $500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $685.00 – $815.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $853.00Uncirculated: $132.00 – $646.25
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $114.00Uncirculated: $385.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $375.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $552.00 – $720.00
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eBayCirculated: $204.21Uncirculated: $169.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $110.00Uncirculated: $1,208.00 – $2,588.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $54.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $210.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $248.00 – $780.00
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eBayUncirculated: $275.89
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 – $800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1865 Cent
The 1865 Indian Head Cent was minted during a pivotal year in American history, marking the end of the Civil War. This coin represents a significant period of transition and reconstruction in the United States. The Indian Head design, introduced in 1859, continued to be popular and would remain in production until 1909.
The year 1865 also saw the tragic assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, adding to the historical significance of coins minted during this year. The cent played a crucial role in daily commerce, especially as the nation began to rebuild following the war.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| 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 an 1865 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on the Indian’s headdress and the wreath on the reverse, command higher premiums.
2. Luster: Original mint luster, free from cleaning or other impairments, is highly desirable.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or other blemishes are more valuable.
4. Color: Original red or red-brown specimens are typically more valuable than fully brown examples.
Mintage: 35,429,286
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Plain 5 and Fancy 5 varieties in date
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens
Additional factors influencing the value of an 1865 Indian Head Cent include:
1. Plain 5 vs. Fancy 5: The Fancy 5 variety, with a more ornate number in the date, is slightly scarcer and may command a small premium.
2. Historical significance: As a Civil War era coin minted in the year of Lincoln’s assassination, it holds additional appeal for history enthusiasts.
3. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, especially for high-grade specimens.
4. Die state: Late die state examples showing interesting characteristics may appeal to specialized collectors.
5. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or pedigree may command a premium.
