1878 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1878 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1878 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.

1878 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $276.00 - $16,800.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $370.01 - $3,495.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $425.00 - $17,500.00

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1878 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $16.00 - $441.00

  Uncirculated: $7.00 - $1,446.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $7.50 - $1,050.00

  Uncirculated: $180.27 - $1,731.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $18.00 - $355.00

  Uncirculated: $360.00 - $1,750.00

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1878 Penny, RB (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $4.85 - $3,740.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $262.00 - $2,707.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $165.00 - $6,000.00

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1878 Penny, BN (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $104.00 - $1,380.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $226.70 - $1,540.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $125.00 - $1,500.00

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1878 Penny, RD (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $382.00 - $891.00

  Uncirculated: $150.00 - $14,950.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $785.00 - $4,449.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $450.00 - $7,000.00

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1878 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $19.00 - $51.00

  Uncirculated: $127.00 - $4,025.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $241.00 - $1,900.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $385.00 - $2,500.00

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1878 Penny MPD FS-301 S-2, BN (Regular Strike)

• eBay

  Circulated: $875.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $47.00 - $415.00

  Uncirculated: $500.00 - $600.00

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1878 Penny MPD FS-301 S-2, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1,140.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $535.00 - $1,250.00

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1878 Penny MPD FS-301 S-2, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1,920.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,650.00 - $2,650.00

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1878 Penny, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $399.50 - $8,225.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $525.00 - $4,750.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1878 Cent

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1878 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, uncirculated examples become increasingly scarce and valuable. Coins in Mint State (MS) conditions, particularly MS65 and above, are highly sought after by collectors.

Key factors affecting value include:

1. Original mint luster: Well-preserved coins with intact luster command premium prices.
2. Strike quality: Sharply struck coins with full details are more desirable.
3. Color: Original red (RD) coins are the most valuable, followed by red-brown (RB), and then brown (BN).
4. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or spots are more valuable.

Additional factors influencing the 1878 Cent's value include:

1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance a coin's appeal and value.
2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history can command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices.
5. Market trends: The overall demand for Indian Head Cents can fluctuate, affecting values across all dates in the series.