Price Guide for 1868 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1868 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.

1868 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $9.00 - $660.00
    Uncirculated: $127.00 - $8,518.75
  • eBay
    Circulated: $4.25 - $395.00
    Uncirculated: $26.00 - $4,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $26.00 - $460.00
    Uncirculated: $475.00 - $8,500.00

1868 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $16.00 - $270.25
    Uncirculated: $161.00 - $3,840.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $125.59 - $255.00
    Uncirculated: $36.12 - $1,850.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $500.00 - $4,500.00

1868 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $42.00 - $1,287.00
    Uncirculated: $378.00 - $72,000.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $280.77 - $2,429.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $525.00 - $80,000.00

1868 Penny DDO FS-101 S-1, BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $173.00 - $1,140.00
    Uncirculated: $1,139.00 - $1,150.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $225.00 - $305.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $57.00 - $525.00
    Uncirculated: $560.00 - $770.00

1868 Penny DDO FS-101 S-1 (008.2), RB (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $552.00 - $675.63
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $960.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $620.00 - $1,450.00

1868 Penny DDO FS-101 S-1 (008.2), RD (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $1,224.00 - $2,304.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $575.00 - $1,900.00

1868 Penny MPD FS-301 S-8 (008.23), BN (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $204.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $55.00 - $525.00
    Uncirculated: $600.00 - $800.00

1868 Penny DDO FS-103 S-5 RPD & MPD (008.25), BN (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $155.00 - $230.07
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $150.00 - $435.00
    Uncirculated: $500.00 - $700.00

1868 Penny, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $949.00 - $18,975.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $2,255.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $750.00 - $8,500.00

1868 Penny RPD & Die Gouge FS-302/901 S-13, BN (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $800.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $200.00

1868 Penny, BN (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $446.00
    Uncirculated: $144.00 - $2,530.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $295.00 - $3,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $175.00 - $185.00
    Uncirculated: $200.00 - $3,000.00

1868 Penny, RB (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $5.10 - $6,168.75
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $398.00 - $1,079.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $200.00 - $7,850.00

1868 Penny, RD (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $242.00 - $21,850.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $450.00 - $2,100.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $210.00 - $8,250.00

Design and Specifications of the 1868 Cent

The 1868 Indian Head Cent was part of the Indian Head cent series, which was minted from 1859 to 1909. This coin was produced during a period of post-Civil War reconstruction in the United States. The Indian Head design, featuring Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, was chosen to symbolize freedom and the nation's indigenous heritage.

The year 1868 saw continued economic recovery and westward expansion, making the cent an important coin for everyday transactions. The absence of mint marks on these coins reflects the centralized production at the Philadelphia Mint, which was standard practice for cents at the time.

Weight 3.11 grams
Diameter 19 mm
Mint Marks None (Philadelphia only)
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 an 1868 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly desirable and command premium prices. Key factors include:

- Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more valuable.
- Luster: Original mint luster adds 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 significant marks, scratches, or corrosion are more desirable.

Even small improvements in grade can result in substantial price differences, especially in the higher mint state grades.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 10,266,500

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to age and circulation

Varieties Errors: None significant for this year

Market Demand: Moderate, popular among Indian Head Cent collectors

Rarity in high grades: While the 1868 Cent is not considered a key date, finding examples in high mint state grades (MS65+) can be challenging, making such specimens valuable to collectors.

Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance the value, particularly for uncirculated coins.

Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1868, minor die variations can interest specialized collectors.

Historical significance: As a coin from the Reconstruction era, it holds appeal for collectors interested in Civil War and post-war numismatics.

Set completion: The 1868 Cent is an important date for collectors assembling complete Indian Head Cent sets, which can drive demand for well-preserved examples.

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