Price Guide for 1868 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 – $660.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $8,518.75
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $395.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $26.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $475.00 – $8,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $446.00Uncirculated: $144.00 – $2,530.00
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eBayUncirculated: $295.00 – $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $175.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $270.25Uncirculated: $161.00 – $3,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $125.59 – $255.00Uncirculated: $36.12 – $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00 – $1,287.00Uncirculated: $378.00 – $72,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $280.77 – $2,429.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $173.00 – $1,140.00Uncirculated: $1,139.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $225.00 – $305.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $57.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $560.00 – $770.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $552.00 – $675.63
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eBayUncirculated: $960.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $620.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,224.00 – $2,304.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $1,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $155.00 – $230.07
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $435.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $204.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $525.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $800.00
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eBayCirculated: $800.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.10 – $6,168.75
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eBayUncirculated: $398.00 – $1,079.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $7,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $242.00 – $21,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $450.00 – $2,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $210.00 – $8,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $949.00 – $18,975.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2,255.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $8,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1868 Cent
The 1868 Indian Head Cent was part of the Indian Head cent series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin was produced during a period of post-Civil War reconstruction in the United States. The Indian Head design, featuring Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was chosen to symbolize freedom and the nation’s indigenous heritage.
The year 1868 saw continued economic recovery and westward expansion, making the cent an important coin for everyday transactions. The absence of mint marks on these coins reflects the centralized production at the Philadelphia Mint, which was standard practice for cents at the time.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| 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 1868 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly desirable and command premium prices. Key factors include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more valuable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Color: Original red or red-brown specimens are typically more valuable than brown examples.
– Surface preservation: Coins free from significant marks, scratches, or corrosion are more desirable.
Even small improvements in grade can result in substantial price differences, especially in the higher mint state grades.
Mintage: 10,266,500
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to age and circulation
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among Indian Head Cent collectors
Rarity in high grades: While the 1868 Cent is not considered a key date, finding examples in high mint state grades (MS65+) can be challenging, making such specimens valuable to collectors.
Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance the value, particularly for uncirculated coins.
Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1868, minor die variations can interest specialized collectors.
Historical significance: As a coin from the Reconstruction era, it holds appeal for collectors interested in Civil War and post-war numismatics.
Set completion: The 1868 Cent is an important date for collectors assembling complete Indian Head Cent sets, which can drive demand for well-preserved examples.
