Price Guide for 1869 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $2,585.00Uncirculated: $276.00 – $5,475.00
-
eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $1,175.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $1,430.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $70.00 – $890.00Uncirculated: $900.00 – $2,650.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $53.00 – $2,232.50Uncirculated: $673.20 – $7,475.00
-
eBayCirculated: $100.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $1,252.00 – $2,400.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $165.00 – $1,075.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $2,850.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $165.00 – $948.75Uncirculated: $408.00 – $1,762.50
-
eBayCirculated: $94.00 – $1,159.99Uncirculated: $1,120.00 – $2,499.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $100.00 – $915.00Uncirculated: $960.00 – $2,700.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $495.00 – $84,000.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1,375.00 – $4,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $85,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $322.00 – $456.00Uncirculated: $288.00 – $4,920.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $356.00 – $5,999.95
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $2,400.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $546.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $3,995.00
-
eBayCirculated: $23.38 – $669.00Uncirculated: $579.00 – $4,155.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $950.00 – $3,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,020.00Uncirculated: $374.00
-
eBayCirculated: $145.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $940.00Uncirculated: $990.00 – $1,850.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $661.00Uncirculated: $834.00 – $6,756.25
-
eBayCirculated: $176.00 – $329.99Uncirculated: $1,009.00 – $3,049.50
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,150.00 – $7,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,350.00 – $7,343.75
-
eBayUncirculated: $2,587.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $5,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,438.00 – $1,920.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $2,300.00 – $3,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $2,850.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,185.00 – $3,278.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $2,375.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,000.00 – $3,700.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.75 – $4,935.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $520.00 – $3,850.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $6,250.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $604.00 – $11,750.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1,132.00 – $2,400.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $9,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $690.00 – $10,575.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $703.00 – $1,235.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $10,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1869 Cent
The 1869 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 economic recovery in the United States. The Indian Head design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was chosen to symbolize freedom and the nation’s indigenous heritage.
The year 1869 is notable for the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, which significantly impacted commerce and coin distribution across the country. This cent played a crucial role in everyday transactions during a time of rapid industrialization and westward expansion.
| 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 1869 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Due to its age and moderate circulation, finding high-grade examples can be challenging.
Uncirculated specimens with full mint luster and minimal contact marks are highly prized. Coins graded MS63 or higher command substantial premiums. The presence of original red color (RD designation) can greatly enhance value, as many of these cents have toned to brown over time.
Even in circulated grades, coins with clear design details and attractive, problem-free surfaces are sought after by collectors building date sets of Indian Head Cents.
Mintage: 6,420,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1869 cents. Well-struck coins with full details in Liberty’s headdress and the wreath on the reverse are more desirable. The presence of carbon spots or other surface issues can negatively impact value.
Original mint red color is highly prized, with fully red specimens commanding significant premiums. However, attractive, even toning can also enhance appeal and value.
As a semi-key date in the Indian Head Cent series, the 1869 issue holds special interest for collectors, which can drive up prices for high-quality examples. The coin’s historical significance, being minted in the same year as the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, adds to its appeal for history-oriented collectors.
