Price Guide for 1878 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: $276.00 – $16,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $370.01 – $3,495.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 – $17,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $441.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,446.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $1,050.00Uncirculated: $180.27 – $1,731.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $18.00 – $355.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4.85 – $3,740.00
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eBayUncirculated: $262.00 – $2,707.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $165.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $104.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $226.70 – $1,540.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $51.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $4,025.00
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eBayUncirculated: $241.00 – $1,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $385.00 – $2,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $875.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $47.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,140.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $535.00 – $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,920.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,650.00 – $2,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $382.00 – $891.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $785.00 – $4,449.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $399.50 – $8,225.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $525.00 – $4,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1878 Cent
The 1878 Indian Head Cent is part of the iconic Indian Head penny series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This year marks the 20th year of production for the series. The design, created by James Barton Longacre, features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse, symbolizing liberty and the young nation’s connection to its indigenous roots.
The year 1878 is notable in American numismatic history as it coincides with the passage of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the Treasury to purchase silver for coin production, though this primarily affected silver coinage rather than cents.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia only) |
| 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 1878 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, uncirculated examples become increasingly scarce and valuable. Coins in Mint State (MS) conditions, particularly MS65 and above, are highly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Original mint luster: Well-preserved coins with intact luster command premium prices.
2. Strike quality: Sharply struck coins with full details are more desirable.
3. Color: Original red (RD) coins are the most valuable, followed by red-brown (RB), and then brown (BN).
4. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or spots are more valuable.
Mintage: 5,799,850
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
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 influencing the 1878 Cent’s value include:
1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history can command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices.
5. Market trends: The overall demand for Indian Head Cents can fluctuate, affecting values across all dates in the series.
