Price Guide for 1891 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: $7.00 – $489.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $2,070.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.80 – $153.49Uncirculated: $13.38 – $479.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $70.00Uncirculated: $72.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $51.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $120.50 – $4,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $127.00Uncirculated: $56.00 – $3,360.00
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eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $1,375.02
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $2,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $29.00 – $2,128.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.50Uncirculated: $47.00 – $892.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $32.00 – $552.00Uncirculated: $184.00 – $1,320.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.50 – $275.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $18.00 – $425.00Uncirculated: $490.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $376.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,880.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00 – $2,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $55.00 – $168.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $264.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $515.05Uncirculated: $425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $265.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $312.00 – $400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $450.00 – $675.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $161.00Uncirculated: $1.30 – $4,080.00
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eBayUncirculated: $175.05 – $787.77
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $3,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $161.00 – $4,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $576.00 – $4,313.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,533.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $575.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,600.00 – $18,212.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00 – $23,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1891 Cent
The 1891 Indian Head Cent was part of the long-running series that began in 1859 and continued until 1909. This coin represents a significant period in American history, spanning the post-Civil War era and the country’s rapid industrialization. The Indian Head design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was a popular and enduring symbol of freedom and the American frontier.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.0 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 1891 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, it becomes increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. Coins in grades MS65 and above are particularly valuable due to their rarity.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or other imperfections command higher premiums.
Mintage: 47,072,000
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
Several factors can influence the value of an 1891 Indian Head Cent beyond its condition:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.
3. Provenance: Coins with a noteworthy ownership history can command a premium.
4. Overall eye appeal: Subjective factors like color and overall appearance can significantly impact value.
While not a key date, the 1891 Cent is an important part of the Indian Head series and remains popular with collectors focusing on this iconic American design.
