Price Guide for 1871 Two Cents 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: $20.00 – $10,350.00Uncirculated: $132.00 – $2,232.50
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eBayCirculated: $13.25 – $299.99Uncirculated: $149.00 – $1,584.70
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $330.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $489.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $3,120.00
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eBayCirculated: $214.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $366.00 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $290.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $340.00 – $5,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $153.00 – $220.00Uncirculated: $196.00 – $6,463.00
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eBayUncirculated: $449.00 – $2,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $385.00 – $12,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,093.00 – $28,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,895.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $79.00
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eBayCirculated: $975.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $210.00 – $385.00Uncirculated: $400.00 – $4,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $179.50 – $450.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $215.00 – $420.00Uncirculated: $440.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $384.00
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eBayCirculated: $98.91 – $139.95Uncirculated: $459.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $130.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $365.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,140.00 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $725.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,250.00 – $15,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,540.00Uncirculated: $5.25 – $6,462.50
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eBayUncirculated: $426.00 – $1,775.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $375.00 – $13,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $690.00 – $51,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $900.00 – $6,140.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,440.00 – $54,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8,500.00 – $65,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1871 Two Cents
The 1871 Two Cent piece was part of the Two Cent coin series, which was first introduced in 1864 during the Civil War. This coin is notable for being one of the first to bear the motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’, which was added to inspire faith during the tumultuous war years. By 1871, the coin’s production was declining as the need for small denomination coins decreased in the post-war economy.
| Weight | 6.22 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Shield with arrows and olive branch, designed by James B. Longacre |
| Reverse Design | Wreath surrounding '2 CENTS', designed by James B. Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of an 1871 Two Cent piece significantly impacts its value. Circulation strikes in Mint State grades are particularly valuable due to their scarcity. Key factors include:
Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details on the shield and wreath are more desirable.
Luster: Original mint luster adds considerable value, especially if it’s full and vibrant.
Color: Original red or red-brown specimens command a premium over fully brown examples.
Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or other imperfections are highly sought after.
Mintage: 721,250
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 950
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: High, highly sought after by collectors
Rarity in high grades: The 1871 Two Cent piece is particularly rare in grades MS65 and above for circulation strikes, and PR65 and above for proofs. These high-grade specimens can command significant premiums.
Historical significance: As one of the last years of the Two Cent piece series, the 1871 issue holds special interest for collectors focusing on complete type sets or final-year issues.
Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for this year, subtle die differences can add interest for specialized collectors.
Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance the value, especially for proof issues.
