Price Guide for 1913 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: $14.00 – $253.00Uncirculated: $63.00 – $1,997.50
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eBayCirculated: $3.25 – $225.00Uncirculated: $18.75 – $3,049.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $210.00Uncirculated: $235.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $47,150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $89.95 – $17,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $90.00 – $47,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $196.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $1,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.54 – $175.00Uncirculated: $42.88 – $1,799.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $145.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $299.00Uncirculated: $141.00 – $23,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $179.85 – $11,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $165.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $60.00 – $170.38Uncirculated: $127.00 – $63,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $94.99Uncirculated: $135.00 – $3,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $26,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $36.00Uncirculated: $0.65 – $480.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.01 – $147.50Uncirculated: $9.99 – $300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $40.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.85 – $1,170.00
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eBayUncirculated: $134.00 – $950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $276.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $130.00 – $4,817.50
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eBayUncirculated: $270.00 – $1,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $25.00 – $650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $45.57 – $759.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65.00 – $775.00
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eBayCirculated: $49.99Uncirculated: $127.50
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $6,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $234.00 – $1,699.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $184.00 – $15,862.50
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eBayUncirculated: $405.00 – $6,016.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $410.00 – $14,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $236.00 – $32,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $601.00 – $4,207.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $425.00 – $90,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1913 Cent
The 1913 Cent, also known as the Indian Head or Buffalo Nickel, was part of the iconic series that began in 1913 and continued until 1938. This coin represents a significant shift in American coinage design, moving away from allegorical figures to more realistic depictions of Native American culture and wildlife. The coin was introduced as part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s initiative to beautify American coinage.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Liberty wearing an Indian headdress, designed by James Earle Fraser |
| Reverse Design | Buffalo (American Bison) standing on a mound, designed by James Earle Fraser |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1913 Cents significantly impacts their value. As the first year of issue, many were saved, but high-grade examples remain scarce. Coins in Mint State condition, particularly MS65 and above, command substantial premiums. The soft copper alloy makes the coins susceptible to wear, affecting details on the Indian’s cheek and the buffalo’s horn.
Type 1 and Type 2 varieties can affect value, with Type 2 generally being slightly more valuable due to its shorter production run. Strong strikes with full horn details on the buffalo are highly desirable.
Mintage: 76,532,352
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Type 1 (Buffalo on mound) and Type 2 (Buffalo on plain) varieties
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 40,178,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Type 1 (Buffalo on mound) and Type 2 (Buffalo on plain) varieties
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 2,105,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Type 1 (Buffalo on mound) and Type 2 (Buffalo on plain) varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Luster and toning can greatly influence the value of 1913 Cents. Coins with original mint luster and attractive, natural toning are highly sought after by collectors. The presence of the ‘Type 1’ (Buffalo on mound) or ‘Type 2’ (Buffalo on plain) variety can also affect value, with some collectors specializing in one type or the other.
For the San Francisco mint coins, the lower mintage makes them more valuable across all grades. Additionally, any error coins, such as doubled dies or off-center strikes, can command significant premiums. Provenances from famous collections can also enhance value.
