Price Guide for 1908 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: $26.00 – $414.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $2,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.09 – $721.11Uncirculated: $163.50 – $3,999.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $48.00 – $335.00Uncirculated: $350.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $13.00 – $480.00
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eBayCirculated: $0.99 – $308.00Uncirculated: $8.50 – $601.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $475.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $35.00 – $423.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $6,038.00
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eBayCirculated: $100.00 – $269.00Uncirculated: $210.00 – $3,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $6,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $60.00 – $33,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $82.00 – $27,560.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $32,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $59.00 – $115.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $1,645.00
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eBayUncirculated: $170.72 – $898.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $90.00 – $100.00Uncirculated: $110.00 – $2,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $24.00 – $1,468.75
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eBayCirculated: $9.95 – $95.00Uncirculated: $46.00 – $1,525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $1,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $75.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $8.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,175.00 – $1,187.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $315.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $200.00 – $798.00
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eBayCirculated: $249.95 – $522.49Uncirculated: $480.00 – $590.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $585.00Uncirculated: $600.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $432.00 – $630.00
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eBayUncirculated: $380.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $925.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00Uncirculated: $253.00 – $21,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $480.00 – $4,751.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $334.00 – $750.00
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eBayCirculated: $338.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $65.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $460.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $546.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $4,313.00
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eBayUncirculated: $140.00 – $2,356.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $140.00 – $5,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $161.00 – $17,037.50
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eBayUncirculated: $421.00 – $1,325.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $22,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $633.00 – $7,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $225.00 – $8,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1908 Cent
The 1908 Indian Head Cent represents one of the final years of this iconic design, which was first introduced in 1859. This penny was part of the Indian Head cent series that would be replaced by the Lincoln cent in 1909. The design, featuring Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was created by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time.
1908 was a significant year as it marked the 50th anniversary of the Indian Head cent design, though no special commemorative versions were produced for this milestone.
| 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 1908 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, it becomes increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. Coins in MS63 to MS64 grades are sought after, while those in MS65 or above are quite rare and command substantial premiums.
Key factors affecting value include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially in the headdress feathers and diamonds in the ribbon, are more desirable.
– Luster: Original mint luster adds significantly to the coin’s appeal and value.
– Color: Original red or red-brown specimens are typically more valuable than brown examples.
– Surface preservation: Coins free from noticeable marks, scratches, or spots are highly prized.
Mintage: 32,326,367
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of the Indian Head series
Additional factors that can affect the 1908 Indian Head Cent’s value include:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, especially for high-grade specimens.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics might appeal to specialized collectors.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or from famous collections may command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices than raw coins.
5. Historical significance: As one of the last years of the Indian Head design, the 1908 cent holds particular interest for some collectors.
While not as rare as some key dates in the series, the 1908 Indian Head Cent remains a popular coin with collectors, especially in higher grades.
