Price Guide for 1876 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: $11.00 – $1,093.00Uncirculated: $115.00 – $1,610.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $430.00Uncirculated: $78.77 – $1,199.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $28.00 – $315.00Uncirculated: $320.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $483.00 – $5,175.00
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eBayUncirculated: $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $138.00 – $2,232.50
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eBayCirculated: $250.00Uncirculated: $205.61 – $2,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $210.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $51.00 – $1,020.00Uncirculated: $167.00 – $7,637.50
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eBayUncirculated: $219.50 – $1,730.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $7,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $380.00 – $10,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $810.00 – $5,756.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $14,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.65 – $5,175.00
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eBayUncirculated: $330.00 – $3,316.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,093.00 – $15,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $600.00 – $25,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1876 Cent
The 1876 Indian Head Cent was minted during the United States Centennial year, marking the 100th anniversary of American independence. This coin is part of the Indian Head Cent series, which was produced from 1859 to 1909. The design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was somewhat controversial at the time but became widely accepted and is now considered a classic American coin.
The year 1876 was significant not only for the centennial celebrations but also for ongoing economic challenges following the Panic of 1873. Despite these difficulties, coin production remained robust, reflecting the growing needs of commerce in the expanding nation.
| 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 1876 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to extensive circulation and the coin’s age, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds significantly to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Color: Original red or red-brown specimens are typically more valuable than fully brown examples.
– Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or other imperfections are highly sought after.
Mintage: 7,944,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to heavy circulation and age
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade specimens and those with attractive toning
Additional factors influencing the 1876 Cent’s value include:
1. Historical significance: As a Centennial year issue, this coin holds special appeal for collectors of American history.
2. Toning: Attractively toned specimens, especially those with rainbow colors, can command premiums.
3. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1876, subtle die differences may interest specialized collectors.
4. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors can be more valuable.
5. Overall eye appeal: Subjective factors like overall appearance can significantly impact a coin’s desirability and value in the collector market.
