1859 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1859 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1859 Cent 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.

1859 Penny (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $3.00 - $1,380.00

  Uncirculated: $89.00 - $34,500.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $1.25 - $4,050.00

  Uncirculated: $1.00 - $5,780.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $18.00 - $400.00

  Uncirculated: $425.00 - $21,500.00

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1859 Penny (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $460.00 - $1,540.00

  Uncirculated: $5.00 - $29,900.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $699.00 - $3,572.54
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $875.00 - $18,000.00

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1859 Penny RPD FS-302, S-2 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $259.00

  Uncirculated: $385.00 - $2,820.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $249.95

  Uncirculated: $700.00 - $950.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $42.00 - $485.00

  Uncirculated: $500.00 - $3,350.00

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1859 Penny RPD FS-301, S-1 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $167.00 - $1,080.00

  Uncirculated: $312.00 - $6,600.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $60.00 - $1,449.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $45.00 - $1,125.00

  Uncirculated: $1,200.00 - $8,500.00

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1859 Penny RPD FS-303, S-3 (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $94.00 - $100.00

  Uncirculated: $1,980.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $52.00 - $475.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $42.00 - $460.00

  Uncirculated: $525.00 - $2,850.00

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1859 Penny, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1,495.00 - $27,600.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $900.00 - $25,000.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1859 Cent

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of the 1859 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, high-grade examples (MS63 and above) are scarce and highly sought after by collectors. The coin's copper-nickel composition tends to tone to a pale golden color over time, which can enhance its appeal if the toning is attractive and natural.

Key areas for grading include the hair details on Liberty's portrait, particularly the feathers in the headdress, and the wreath details on the reverse. Strike quality can vary, with some examples showing weakness in the peripheral details. Luster is an important factor in determining grade and value for uncirculated specimens.

Several factors can enhance the value of an 1859 Indian Head Cent:

1. First-year status: As the inaugural issue of the series, it holds special appeal for collectors.

2. One-year type: The 1859 is the only year with this specific reverse design, making it a distinct type coin.

3. Original mint luster: Specimens retaining their original cartwheel luster are highly prized.

4. Strike quality: Well-struck examples with full details command a premium.

5. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known, subtle die differences can interest specialized collectors.

6. Historical significance: The coin's role in the transition of U.S. coinage adds to its numismatic importance.