Price Guide for 1897 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: $10.00 – $230.00Uncirculated: $23.00 – $865.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.50 – $329.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $860.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $65.00Uncirculated: $70.00 – $240.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $42.00 – $45,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $170.50 – $15,370.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80.00 – $135,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $109.00Uncirculated: $86.00 – $3,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $2,984.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $32.00Uncirculated: $23.00 – $1,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $52.00 – $999.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $1,450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $216.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $160.00Uncirculated: $215.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $158.63 – $780.00
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eBayUncirculated: $625.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $230.00 – $575.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $39.50 – $978.00Uncirculated: $633.00 – $3,360.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.50 – $750.00Uncirculated: $586.00 – $670.09
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $55.00 – $325.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,350.00 – $3,840.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.75 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $168.00 – $1,575.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $334.00 – $20,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $177.50 – $497.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $12,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,093.00 – $40,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $909.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $450.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,050.00 – $108,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12,500.00 – $110,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1897 Cent
The 1897 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 recovery following the Panic of 1893, reflecting the nation’s gradual return to prosperity. The Indian Head design, despite its name, actually depicts Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, symbolizing freedom and the country’s indigenous heritage.
| 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 1897 Indian Head Cent. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become progressively more valuable. Coins graded MS63 or higher command significant premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially in the headdress feathers and diamonds in the ribbon, are highly desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds considerable value to uncirculated specimens.
– Color: Natural red or red-brown toning is preferred over brown examples.
Mintage: 50,466,328
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 the Indian Head series
Rarity in high grades: While the 1897 cent is common in lower grades, it becomes increasingly scarce in grades above MS65, with gem-quality specimens being quite valuable.
Die varieties: Although no major varieties are known for this year, minor die variations or repunched dates can add interest and value for specialized collectors.
Historical significance: As part of the beloved Indian Head series, this coin holds appeal for both type set collectors and series enthusiasts, contributing to its steady demand in the numismatic market.
