Price Guide for 1901 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 – $1,404.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $633.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $155.00Uncirculated: $11.01 – $570.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $42.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $45.00 – $33,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $74.66 – $2,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $33,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $26.00 – $2,185.00
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eBayCirculated: $39.99Uncirculated: $11.26 – $566.56
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $136.00Uncirculated: $132.00 – $3,220.00
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eBayCirculated: $113.60 – $187.00Uncirculated: $160.00 – $1,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $140.00 – $2,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $149.95
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $192.00Uncirculated: $1.20 – $9,988.00
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eBayCirculated: $160.00Uncirculated: $191.38 – $1,799.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,840.00Uncirculated: $178.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $305.00 – $840.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $235.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,553.00 – $49,937.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4,000.00 – $50,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1901 Cent
The 1901 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 the final decade of the series, in the first year of the 20th century.
The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, symbolizing American liberty. This iconic design was well-received and remained in circulation for half a century.
| 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 surrounding 'ONE CENT', designed by James Barton Longacre |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1901 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become increasingly valuable.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds premium value, especially in higher grades.
3. Color: Original red (RD) coins are the most valuable, followed by red-brown (RB), and then brown (BN).
4. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or spots command higher premiums.
Mintage: 79,609,158
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among collectors of the Indian Head series
Additional factors influencing the 1901 Cent’s value include:
1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance value for some collectors.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history can command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices.
While not a key date, high-grade examples of the 1901 Cent are sought after by type collectors and series enthusiasts, maintaining steady demand in the numismatic market.
