Price Guide for 1876 Twenty 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: $115.00 – $1,350.00Uncirculated: $345.00 – $88,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $221.26 – $1,052.03Uncirculated: $495.00 – $4,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $1,450.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $100,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $300.00 – $2,760.00Uncirculated: $7.25 – $54,625.00
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eBayCirculated: $650.00 – $2,015.00Uncirculated: $1,125.00 – $3,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $900.00 – $1,600.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $207,000.00Uncirculated: $1,500.00 – $870,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $275,000.00 – $300,000.00Uncirculated: $325,000.00 – $1,250,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $512.00Uncirculated: $290.55 – $681.29
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,150.00 – $40,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,799.00 – $3,315.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $55,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,530.00 – $28,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6,000.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1876 Twenty Cents
The 1876 Twenty Cent piece was part of a short-lived denomination that was introduced in 1875 and discontinued in 1878. It was created to help alleviate a shortage of small change in the western United States, but it proved unpopular due to its similarity in size to the quarter dollar. 1876 was the last year of regular circulation strikes for this denomination.
| Weight | 5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Mint Marks | CC, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Seated design, designed by Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with outstretched wings, designed by William Barber |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1876 Twenty Cent pieces. For circulation strikes, coins in Mint State grades are highly sought after, with premium prices for those exhibiting strong strikes and minimal contact marks. The Carson City mintage is particularly valuable in all grades due to its low mintage.
For proof issues, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can significantly increase value. Toning can also impact desirability, with attractive, original toning often commanding a premium.
Mintage: 10,000
Rarity Scale: Very Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to its rarity and key date status
Mintage: 1,155,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, as a representative of the short-lived series
Mintage: 1,260
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintmark rarity is a significant factor for this year, with the Carson City (CC) issue being highly prized. The historical significance of the Twenty Cent piece as a short-lived denomination adds to its overall appeal.
Strike quality is particularly important for this denomination, as many examples were weakly struck. Coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s head and the eagle’s feathers, are more valuable.
As with many 19th-century silver coins, original luster is highly prized by collectors, and coins retaining their original mint luster will command a premium. The proof issues from Philadelphia are especially valuable when they exhibit strong cameo contrast.
