Price Guide for 1885 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: $98.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $229.00 – $4,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $130.00 – $7,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $365.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.09 – $135.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $1,287.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $120.00Uncirculated: $125.00 – $1,650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $72.00 – $184.00Uncirculated: $104.00 – $5,175.00
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eBayUncirculated: $120.00 – $2,660.20
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $53.00 – $158.63Uncirculated: $86.00 – $6,435.00
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eBayCirculated: $187.50Uncirculated: $152.50 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $130.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,645.00Uncirculated: $3.25 – $7,475.00
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eBayUncirculated: $230.00 – $3,179.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $276.00 – $8,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,799.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,265.00 – $9,775.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1885 Cent
The 1885 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 economic recovery following the Panic of 1873, reflecting the nation’s gradual return to prosperity. The Indian Head design, despite its name, actually depicts Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, symbolizing freedom and the country’s indigenous heritage.
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1885 Indian Head Cent. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, specimens in uncirculated condition become increasingly scarce and valuable. Coins graded MS65 or higher are particularly desirable and command significant premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more valuable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Color: Natural red or red-brown toning is preferred over brown.
Mintage: 11,765,384
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
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
Die state and strike characteristics can influence the value of 1885 Indian Head Cents. Coins with sharp, well-defined details, especially in Liberty’s headdress and the wreath on the reverse, are more desirable to collectors.
Provenance can also play a role in a coin’s value. Specimens with a documented history of ownership by notable collectors or inclusion in famous collections may command a premium.
While not particularly rare, the 1885 Indian Head Cent is an important part of many type sets and date runs of the series, maintaining steady collector interest and demand.
