Price Guide for 1882 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 – $1,140.00Uncirculated: $22.00 – $528.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $118.15Uncirculated: $23.50 – $1,207.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $105.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00Uncirculated: $84.00 – $6,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $170.50 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $3,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $49.00 – $2,530.00
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eBayCirculated: $47.00Uncirculated: $76.00 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $115.00 – $35,938.00
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eBayUncirculated: $98.00 – $4,030.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $280.00 – $26,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $26.25 – $360.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $264.00 – $3,525.00Uncirculated: $282.00
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eBayCirculated: $185.00 – $625.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $18.00 – $415.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,840.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.60 – $3,526.18
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eBayUncirculated: $247.50 – $2,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $3,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $207.00 – $11,456.25
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eBayUncirculated: $310.00 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $185.00 – $12,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $517.00
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eBayUncirculated: $695.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $5,750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1882 Cent
The 1882 Indian Head Cent is part of the long-running Indian Head cent series, which was produced from 1859 to 1909. This coin was minted during a period of relative economic stability in the United States, following the tumultuous years of the Civil War and Reconstruction.
The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, was widely popular and remained in circulation for five decades. It features a representation of Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, which was somewhat controversial at the time but has since become an iconic American coin design.
| 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 1882 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become increasingly valuable.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Color: Original red or red-brown specimens command higher premiums than brown examples.
4. Surface preservation: Coins free from noticeable marks, scratches, or spots are more valuable.
Coins graded MS65 or higher are considerably scarce and valuable, especially those with full red color.
Mintage: 38,581,100
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of Indian Head cents
Additional factors that can affect the value of an 1882 Indian Head Cent include:
1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for this year, minor die variations may interest specialized collectors.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history may 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 grades.
While not a key date, the 1882 Indian Head Cent remains a popular coin for both type set collectors and series specialists, contributing to its steady demand in the numismatic market.
