Price Guide for 1886 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: $127.00 – $48,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $22,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $329.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $1,645.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.00 – $382.00Uncirculated: $65.00 – $3,707.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $255.00Uncirculated: $260.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $764.00Uncirculated: $104.00 – $2,090.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.50 – $360.00Uncirculated: $135.70 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $28.00 – $355.00Uncirculated: $375.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $121.00 – $150.00Uncirculated: $109.00 – $10,575.00
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eBayUncirculated: $125.00 – $1,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $13,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,438.00 – $12,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00Uncirculated: $118.00 – $8,813.00
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eBayCirculated: $111.00Uncirculated: $110.53 – $6,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $104.00Uncirculated: $184.00 – $34,075.00
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eBayUncirculated: $966.00 – $11,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00 – $204.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $9,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $191.37 – $3,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $9,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $223.25 – $517.00Uncirculated: $1.60 – $4,313.00
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eBayUncirculated: $198.00 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $4,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00Uncirculated: $348.00 – $13,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $6,613.00
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eBayUncirculated: $285.00 – $3,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $178.00 – $15,275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $421.00 – $2,390.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $325.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $276.00 – $57,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,302.16
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 – $35,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1886 Cent
The 1886 Indian Head Cent is part of the Indian Head cent series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin was produced during a period of economic growth and industrialization in the United States. The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, was well-received and remained in circulation for 50 years, making it a significant piece of American numismatic history.
| 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 1886 Indian Head Cent. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become progressively more valuable.
Coins graded MS63 or below are more readily available, but MS65 and above are considerably scarcer and command significant premiums. The presence of original mint red color can greatly enhance the coin’s desirability and value, especially in higher grades.
Mintage: 17,654,290
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among Indian Head Cent collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1886 Indian Head Cents. Well-struck examples with sharp details on the Indian’s headdress and the wreath on the reverse are more desirable.
Luster is another key consideration, with coins exhibiting vibrant, cartwheel luster being more valuable. Natural toning can also add to the coin’s appeal, especially if it’s attractive and even.
While not particularly rare, the 1886 Indian Head Cent is a popular date among collectors trying to complete a set of the series, which can impact its market demand and value.
