Price Guide for 1870 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: $518.00 – $25,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,032.00 – $6,924.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $26,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $998.75Uncirculated: $299.00 – $2,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $999.00Uncirculated: $222.50 – $2,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $745.00Uncirculated: $760.00 – $2,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $528.00 – $3,120.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,075.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $552.00 – $10,575.00
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eBayUncirculated: $561.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $374.00Uncirculated: $6.25 – $5,280.00
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eBayUncirculated: $341.00 – $2,121.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $64.00 – $546.00Uncirculated: $303.00 – $4,112.50
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eBayCirculated: $224.50Uncirculated: $481.00 – $2,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00Uncirculated: $480.00 – $900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $225.00 – $735.00Uncirculated: $800.00 – $1,175.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $475.88 – $1,680.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $900.00 – $1,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $360.00 – $780.00
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eBayCirculated: $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $710.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $960.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $1,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $1,260.00
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eBayCirculated: $42.25 – $1,502.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $1,700.00Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,380.00 – $1,438.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,900.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $323.13 – $468.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $1,560.00
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eBayCirculated: $81.00 – $1,174.99Uncirculated: $512.30
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $635.00Uncirculated: $650.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $444.00 – $2,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,200.00 – $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $176.25 – $472.00Uncirculated: $646.25
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eBayUncirculated: $820.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $90.00 – $685.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $2,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,353.00 – $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $800.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $336.00 – $376.00Uncirculated: $534.63 – $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $63.50 – $499.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $60.00 – $685.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,055.00 – $26,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,150.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $312.00 – $470.00Uncirculated: $840.00 – $1,175.00
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eBayCirculated: $195.50 – $414.75Uncirculated: $875.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $835.00Uncirculated: $850.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,955.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $224.00 – $4,935.00
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eBayUncirculated: $519.00 – $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $748.00 – $8,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $950.00 – $7,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1870 Cent
The 1870 Indian Head Cent was part of the long-running Indian Head cent series, which began in 1859 and continued until 1909. This coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the American Civil War. The design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was intended to be a uniquely American symbol, reflecting the nation’s heritage and ideals.
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1870 Indian Head Cent. Due to its age and moderate circulation, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) command significant premiums. The presence of original mint red color can greatly enhance value, with full red specimens being especially desirable.
Key factors affecting condition include:• Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable.• Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.• Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes are crucial for higher grades.
Mintage: 5,275,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Shallow N and Bold N varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of an 1870 Indian Head Cent beyond its condition:
1. Variety: The Shallow N and Bold N varieties can command a premium, especially in higher grades.
2. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
3. Historical significance: As a post-Civil War issue, this coin holds interest for both numismatists and history enthusiasts.
4. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors can be more valuable.
5. Certification: Coins graded and authenticated by reputable third-party grading services often command higher prices in the market.
