Price Guide for 1899 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $5.00 – $86.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $1,292.50
-
eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $240.00Uncirculated: $13.50 – $999.95
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $52.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $600.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $106.33Uncirculated: $71.00 – $2,875.00
-
eBayCirculated: $149.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $2,026.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $1,200.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $34.00 – $108,000.00
-
eBayCirculated: $238.50Uncirculated: $82.08 – $6,850.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $125,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $25.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $962.50
-
eBayCirculated: $56.09 – $60.00Uncirculated: $50.50 – $860.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $1,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $30.00 – $347.00Uncirculated: $109.00 – $211.00
-
eBayCirculated: $90.00 – $140.00Uncirculated: $165.00 – $219.96
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $19.00 – $127.00Uncirculated: $155.00 – $210.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $204.00 – $240.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $128.40 – $316.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $180.00 – $275.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $660.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $210.00 – $700.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $114.00 – $124.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $19.00 – $127.00Uncirculated: $155.00 – $210.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $239.50
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00Uncirculated: $192.00
-
eBayCirculated: $69.00Uncirculated: $249.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $19.00 – $152.00Uncirculated: $205.00 – $260.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $301.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $230.00 – $350.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00Uncirculated: $1.50 – $5,405.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $245.00 – $666.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $6,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,380.00Uncirculated: $242.00 – $8,050.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $457.00 – $549.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $5,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $604.00 – $13,800.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $17,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1899 Cent
The 1899 Indian Head Cent is part of the iconic Indian Head penny series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin was produced during a period of economic growth and industrial expansion in the United States, known as the Gilded Age.
The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, symbolizing America’s unique identity. The reverse depicts an oak wreath surrounding the denomination, representing strength and endurance.
| 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
The condition of an 1899 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, this coin becomes increasingly valuable in higher mint state conditions.
Coins in MS63 to MS64 grades are sought after, but specimens in MS65 or above are quite scarce and command substantial premiums. Key factors affecting grade include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on the headdress feathers and diamond on the ribbon, are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value.
– Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or blemishes increase desirability.
Mintage: 53,598,000
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 and type set collectors
Toning can play a role in the coin’s appeal and value. Natural, attractive toning is often prized by collectors, especially if it enhances the coin’s appearance without obscuring details.
Die state variations, while not major errors, can be of interest to specialized collectors. Late die state coins may show signs of die deterioration, which some collectors find intriguing.
The 1899 Indian Head Cent is also popular for type set collections, representing the Indian Head design. This broader appeal can contribute to its overall market demand and value stability.
