Price Guide for 1890 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: $104.00 – $91,062.50
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eBayUncirculated: $34.95 – $2,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $95,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $104.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.00 – $195.00Uncirculated: $20.51 – $1,025.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $75.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $127.00Uncirculated: $92.00 – $646.25
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eBayCirculated: $195.99Uncirculated: $175.00 – $799.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $150.00 – $160.00Uncirculated: $185.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21.00 – $4,112.50
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eBayCirculated: $121.49Uncirculated: $36.00 – $855.36
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $85.00 – $2,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $60.00Uncirculated: $43.87 – $77.99
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00 – $558.00Uncirculated: $400.00
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eBayCirculated: $124.95 – $350.00Uncirculated: $308.74
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $375.00Uncirculated: $450.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $518.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $178.00 – $460.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $99.00
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eBayCirculated: $24.00 – $118.74
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $250.00 – $500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $325.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $26.30 – $198.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $550.00
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eBayCirculated: $425.00 – $600.00Uncirculated: $900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.15 – $1,955.00
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eBayUncirculated: $165.00 – $1,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $127.00 – $2,875.00
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eBayUncirculated: $375.00 – $630.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $460.00 – $5,040.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,500.00 – $6,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1890 Cent
The 1890 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 relative economic stability in the United States, following the turbulent years after the Civil War.
The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, was well-established by 1890 and had become a familiar sight in everyday commerce. The coin’s design, featuring Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was somewhat controversial when first introduced but had gained acceptance by this time.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 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 1890 Indian Head Cent. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become increasingly scarce.
Coins graded MS63 or below are more readily available, but specimens in MS65 or higher are quite rare and command significant premiums. The presence of original red color is highly desirable, with full red (RD) examples being the most valuable.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1890 cents exhibit weakness in the feathers of the headdress or the shield on the reverse. Well-struck examples with full details are more valuable.
Mintage: 57,182,855
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Luster is a key consideration for uncirculated 1890 cents. Coins with original, vibrant luster are more desirable than those with dull or impaired surfaces.
Toning can add value if it’s attractive and natural. Rainbow-toned specimens can command significant premiums among collectors.
While not typically considered a key date, high-grade 1890 cents are important for type set collectors and Indian Head cent enthusiasts. The relative affordability of this date in lower grades makes it popular for collectors building date sets of the series.
