Price Guide for 1893 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: $92.00 – $43,125.00
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eBayCirculated: $69.99Uncirculated: $160.00 – $32,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $32,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $2,990.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $2,415.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $140.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $620.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $52.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $2,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $48.00 – $60.00Uncirculated: $70.00 – $6,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $185.19 – $1,580.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $40.00 – $1,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.56 – $99.25Uncirculated: $56.01 – $599.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $63.80Uncirculated: $168.00 – $240.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $6.00 – $135.00Uncirculated: $165.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $288.00 – $312.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.75 – $2,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $142.50 – $490.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,092.00Uncirculated: $230.00 – $12,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $500.00 – $1,035.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $185.00 – $12,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,150.00 – $10,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $9,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1893 Cent
The 1893 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 economic depression known as the Panic of 1893, one of the worst financial crises in U.S. history. Despite the economic turmoil, the Philadelphia Mint continued to produce a substantial number of cents to meet circulation needs.
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1893 Indian Head Cent. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become progressively scarcer and more valuable.
Coins graded MS63 or below are more readily available, but specimens in MS65 or higher are considerably rarer and command significant premiums. The presence of original mint red color can substantially increase the coin’s desirability and value, especially in higher grades.
Mintage: 46,642,195
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Strike quality is an important factor for 1893 Indian Head Cents. Well-struck examples with sharp details, particularly on the feathers of the headdress and the leaves of the wreath, are more desirable to collectors.
Luster is another key consideration, with coins displaying full, cartwheel luster being particularly prized. Natural toning can also add to the coin’s appeal, especially if it’s attractive and even across the surface.
While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1893 cent are sought after by type set collectors and Indian Head cent enthusiasts, which can drive up prices for exceptional specimens.
