Price Guide for 1887 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.

1887 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $184.00 – $51,750.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $160.00 – $4,750.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $90.00 – $35,000.00
1887 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $14.00 – $75.00
    Uncirculated: $35.00 – $975.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $5.50 – $250.00
    Uncirculated: $8.50 – $1,175.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $3.00 – $64.00
    Uncirculated: $67.00 – $750.00
1887 Penny, BN (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $63.00
    Uncirculated: $74.00 – $6,462.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $499.00
    Uncirculated: $153.50 – $1,913.88
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $115.00 – $125.00
    Uncirculated: $150.00 – $4,350.00
1887 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $26.00 – $94.00
    Uncirculated: $39.00 – $2,880.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $25.40
    Uncirculated: $75.40 – $1,352.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $75.00 – $2,800.00
1887 Penny DDO FS-101, S-1, BN (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $47.00 – $881.00
    Uncirculated: $600.00 – $1,093.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $24.51 – $560.00
    Uncirculated: $1,030.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 – $1,025.00
    Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $2,100.00
1887 Penny, RB (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $1.35 – $4,320.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $157.50 – $834.75
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $175.00 – $5,500.00
1887 Penny, RD (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $518.00 – $18,400.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $185.00 – $14,500.00
1887 Penny, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $600.00 – $3,840.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $2,250.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $5,200.00

Design and Specifications of the 1887 Cent

The 1887 Indian Head Cent is part of the long-running Indian Head Cent series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin was produced 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 well-received and remained largely unchanged throughout its 50-year run. The 1887 issue represents a typical year in the series, with a substantial mintage for circulation.

Weight 3.11 grams
Diameter 19.05 mm
Mint Marks None (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 1887 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become increasingly scarce.

Key factors affecting value include:

1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on the headdress and diamonds in the ribbon, command premium prices.

2. Luster: Original mint luster, particularly the coveted cartwheel effect, greatly enhances value.

3. Color: Original red (RD) coins are the most valuable, followed by red-brown (RB), and then brown (BN) specimens.

4. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or spots are highly sought after.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 45,223,523

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None of significance

Market Demand: Moderate, typical for non-key date Indian Head Cents

Additional factors influencing the 1887 Cent’s value include:

1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can increase desirability and value.

2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting die cracks or cuds may appeal to specialized collectors.

3. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections can command a premium.

4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices than raw coins.

While not a key date, high-grade examples of the 1887 Indian Head Cent remain popular among type set collectors and series enthusiasts.

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