Price Guide for 1880 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: $8.00 – $211.50Uncirculated: $39.00 – $528.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.25 – $199.00Uncirculated: $28.00 – $1,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $84.00Uncirculated: $90.00 – $625.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $235.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $3,738.00
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eBayUncirculated: $125.77 – $835.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $53.00 – $5,052.50
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eBayUncirculated: $91.00 – $697.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $5,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $99.00 – $15,275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $172.05 – $1,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $19,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $384.00 – $470.00Uncirculated: $605.00 – $3,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $90.00 – $329.00Uncirculated: $505.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $540.00 – $2,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,280.00
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eBayUncirculated: $725.00 – $2,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $2,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,920.00 – $6,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.60 – $8,913.00
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eBayUncirculated: $137.00 – $1,180.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $11,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,070.00Uncirculated: $155.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayUncirculated: $425.00 – $835.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $185.00 – $4,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $489.00 – $28,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $20,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1880 Cent
The 1880 Indian Head Cent was part of the long-running Indian Head cent series, which was produced from 1859 to 1909. This coin was minted during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1873, and it played a crucial role in everyday commerce.
The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, symbolizing American liberty with a nod to the country’s indigenous heritage. This iconic design has made the Indian Head Cent a favorite among collectors and a significant piece of American numismatic history.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (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 1880 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens become increasingly valuable as the grade improves. Coins in Mint State (MS) grades, particularly MS65 and above, are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
For proof coins, the preservation of original surfaces is crucial. Proof coins with deep cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields are especially desirable and command significant premiums.
Mintage: 38,964,955
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among collectors of Indian Head Cents
Mintage: 3,955
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades PR65 and above with good eye appeal
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1880 Indian Head Cents. Well-struck coins with full details, especially in the feathers of the headdress and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable. Original mint luster also plays a crucial role in determining value, with coins retaining full cartwheel luster being particularly desirable.
Toning can significantly affect the value of these coins. Natural, attractive toning can enhance the value, while unattractive or artificial toning can decrease it. For proof coins, cameo contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields can add substantial value, with deep cameo examples being the most sought-after.
Lastly, the absence of notable surface marks or blemishes is crucial for higher-grade examples, as collectors prefer clean, problem-free coins for their collections.
