Price Guide for 1874 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: $12.00 – $264.00Uncirculated: $86.00 – $1,233.75
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $357.99Uncirculated: $108.27 – $711.76
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $230.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $823.00Uncirculated: $253.00 – $27,025.00
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eBayUncirculated: $800.00 – $45,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $71.00Uncirculated: $4.25 – $1,380.00
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eBayCirculated: $156.50Uncirculated: $185.50 – $1,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $230.00Uncirculated: $104.00 – $3,055.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.66Uncirculated: $200.00 – $1,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $94.00 – $230.00Uncirculated: $1,821.25
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eBayCirculated: $179.95Uncirculated: $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $36.00 – $310.00Uncirculated: $365.00 – $1,950.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $575.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $410.00 – $2,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $173.00 – $4,560.00
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eBayUncirculated: $265.99 – $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $219.00 – $7,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $575.00 – $10,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $11,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1874 Cent
The 1874 Indian Head Cent is part of the long-running Indian Head cent series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin was produced during a period of economic recovery following the Civil War and the Panic of 1873. The Indian Head design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was chosen to symbolize America’s indigenous heritage.
In 1874, the United States was celebrating its centennial, and the cent played a crucial role in everyday commerce. The coin’s composition of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc was established in 1864 and remained consistent throughout the rest of the series.
| 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 1874 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are particularly sought after, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher.
Key factors affecting the coin’s grade include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on the Indian’s headdress and the wreath on the reverse, command higher premiums.
2. Luster: Original mint luster, free from wear or cleaning, is highly desirable.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from significant marks, scratches, or other imperfections are more valuable.
4. Color: Original red or red-brown specimens are typically more valuable than brown examples.
Mintage: 14,187,500
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Additional factors that can affect the value of an 1874 Indian Head Cent include:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Strike characteristics: Some collectors seek coins with particularly sharp strikes or interesting die characteristics.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or pedigree may command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices than raw (ungraded) coins.
While the 1874 Indian Head Cent is not considered a key date, high-grade examples are scarce and highly sought after by collectors and investors focusing on quality.
