1871 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1871 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1871 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.

1871 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $11.00 - $1,880.00

  Uncirculated: $237.00 - $3,600.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $1.95 - $787.00

  Uncirculated: $299.99 - $2,499.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $22.00 - $760.00

  Uncirculated: $775.00 - $4,600.00

More Detail

1871 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1,380.00 - $60,375.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $512.00

  Uncirculated: $380.00 - $6,820.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $800.00 - $38,500.00

More Detail

1871 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $21.00 - $460.00

  Uncirculated: $350.00 - $6,900.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $119.00 - $179.95

  Uncirculated: $471.66 - $2,995.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $800.00 - $5,000.00

More Detail

1871 Penny Shallow N, FS-901, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $212.00 - $1,357.13

  Uncirculated: $2,040.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $235.00 - $1,500.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $70.00 - $1,675.00

  Uncirculated: $1,700.00 - $3,500.00

More Detail

1871 Penny Shallow N FS-901, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1,800.00 - $5,280.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $699.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,750.00 - $5,500.00

More Detail

1871 Penny Shallow N FS-901, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $14,400.00 - $15,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,800.00 - $14,500.00

More Detail

1871 Penny, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $2,358.00 - $28,800.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $5,650.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $875.00 - $30,000.00

More Detail

1871 Penny, BN (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $299.00 - $423.00

  Uncirculated: $237.00 - $5,040.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $481.00

  Uncirculated: $299.99 - $2,607.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $350.00 - $375.00

  Uncirculated: $400.00 - $4,250.00

More Detail

1871 Penny, RB (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $805.00 - $1,760.00

  Uncirculated: $196.00 - $7,637.50
• eBay

  Circulated: $981.00

  Uncirculated: $493.00 - $8,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $415.00 - $4,500.00

More Detail

1871 Penny, RD (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $12.25 - $12,650.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $755.00 - $2,024.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $625.00 - $9,500.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1871 Cent

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1871 Indian Head Cent. Due to its age and moderate circulation, high-grade examples are scarce. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are particularly valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or above.

Key factors affecting condition include:

- Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
- Luster: Original mint luster significantly increases value.
- Color: Original red or red-brown specimens command higher premiums than brown examples.
- Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks or blemishes are highly sought after.

Several factors can further enhance the value of an 1871 Indian Head Cent:

1. Variety: The Shallow N and Bold N varieties can command a premium, especially in higher grades.
2. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can increase desirability among collectors.
3. Die state: Early die state examples with sharp details are often more valuable.
4. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or from famous collections may fetch higher prices.
5. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often command higher prices due to authenticated condition and authenticity.