Price Guide for 1903 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: $23.00 – $2,115.00
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eBayCirculated: $65.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $415.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $1,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,725.00Uncirculated: $1.15 – $10,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $150.00 – $2,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $276.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $4,600.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.64 – $165.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $1,614.22
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $48.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $42.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $55.00 – $8,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $33.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $52.00 – $3,220.00
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eBayCirculated: $247.50Uncirculated: $135.09 – $1,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $130.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $198.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $21.00 – $135.00Uncirculated: $165.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $16.00 – $113.00Uncirculated: $190.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $111.63 – $168.00
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eBayUncirculated: $199.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $210.00 – $285.00
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eBayUncirculated: $160.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $16.00 – $138.00Uncirculated: $190.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $124.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $210.00 – $285.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.57 – $495.00Uncirculated: $216.00
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eBayCirculated: $33.23 – $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $21.00 – $160.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,424.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31.00 – $37,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $287.00 – $785.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,093.00 – $1,920.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $650.00 – $15,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1903 Cent
The 1903 Indian Head Cent is part of the iconic series that ran from 1859 to 1909. This coin represents a pivotal period in American history, spanning the post-Civil War era and the turn of the 20th century. The Indian Head design, featuring Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was chosen to symbolize American identity and freedom.
| 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
The condition of a 1903 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, examples in Mint State become increasingly valuable. Coins graded MS65 or higher are scarce and command premium prices.
Red (RD) examples, retaining their original mint luster, are the most desirable and valuable. Red-Brown (RB) and Brown (BN) specimens are more common but still collectible. The presence of full striking details on the Indian’s headdress and the shield on the reverse can increase the coin’s desirability.
Mintage: 85,092,703
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among Indian Head Cent collectors
Toning can play a role in a 1903 Indian Head Cent’s value. Attractive, natural toning can enhance appeal, while unattractive or artificial toning can detract from value. The absence of notable varieties or errors for this year means that exceptional preservation and eye appeal are the primary drivers of premium values.
Collectors also appreciate coins with prooflike surfaces, though these are rare for circulation strikes. The historical significance of the Indian Head design and its place in American numismatics contribute to the coin’s enduring popularity among collectors.
