Price Guide for 1866 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 PriceUncirculated: $275.00 – $37,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $362.00 – $4,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $776.25Uncirculated: $115.00 – $4,140.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.50 – $405.00Uncirculated: $199.99 – $940.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $390.00Uncirculated: $410.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $322.00Uncirculated: $196.00 – $1,527.50
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eBayCirculated: $897.00Uncirculated: $371.88 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.00 – $322.00Uncirculated: $167.00 – $4,830.00
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eBayUncirculated: $225.00 – $5,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $109.00 – $805.00Uncirculated: $1,292.50 – $1,380.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.00 – $334.95Uncirculated: $574.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $90.00 – $835.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $374.00 – $1,440.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,250.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,290.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $84.00 – $403.00Uncirculated: $222.00 – $499.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.00 – $219.50Uncirculated: $306.00 – $1,111.11
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $385.00Uncirculated: $425.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $763.75 – $950.40
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 – $1,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $427.50
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $58.00 – $312.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $552.00
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eBayCirculated: $155.00Uncirculated: $1,567.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $587.50 – $748.00
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eBayUncirculated: $606.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.00 – $297.00
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eBayCirculated: $115.00 – $347.75Uncirculated: $515.05 – $607.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $435.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $780.00 – $1,036.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,800.00 – $3,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $3,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00Uncirculated: $6.85 – $4,994.00
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eBayUncirculated: $375.00 – $1,528.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $661.00Uncirculated: $518.00 – $10,575.00
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eBayUncirculated: $999.00 – $2,880.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $840.00 – $22,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $600.00Uncirculated: $2,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,200.00 – $25,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1866 Cent
The 1866 Indian Head Cent marks the first year of post-Civil War coin production. This year is significant as it represents a return to normalcy in American coinage after the tumultuous war years. The Indian Head Cent, first introduced in 1859, continued to be a staple of American commerce, with its design remaining largely unchanged since its inception.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (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 1866 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While not particularly rare in circulated grades, uncirculated examples become increasingly valuable. Coins in MS63 to MS64 grades are scarce, while those in MS65 or higher are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant premium.
3. Color: Red (RD) coins are most valuable, followed by Red-Brown (RB), then Brown (BN).
4. Surface preservation: Fewer contact marks or blemishes increase value.
Mintage: 9,826,500
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a role in the 1866 Cent’s value. As the first post-Civil War issue, it holds special interest for collectors of American history. Additionally, the quality of the planchet can affect value, as some 1866 cents were struck on slightly inferior planchets due to the Mint’s transition back to regular production.
While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1866 Cent are scarce enough to command premium prices. The overall eye appeal of a coin, including its toning and strike characteristics, can significantly influence its desirability among collectors, particularly for specimens intended for high-end collections or registry sets.
