1887 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1887 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1887 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.

1887 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $184.00 - $51,750.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $160.00 - $4,750.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $90.00 - $35,000.00

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1887 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $14.00 - $75.00

  Uncirculated: $35.00 - $975.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $5.50 - $250.00

  Uncirculated: $8.50 - $1,175.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $3.00 - $64.00

  Uncirculated: $67.00 - $750.00

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1887 Penny, BN (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $63.00

  Uncirculated: $74.00 - $6,462.50
• eBay

  Circulated: $499.00

  Uncirculated: $153.50 - $1,913.88
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $115.00 - $125.00

  Uncirculated: $150.00 - $4,350.00

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1887 Penny, RB (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1.35 - $4,320.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $157.50 - $834.75
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $175.00 - $5,500.00

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1887 Penny, RD (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $518.00 - $18,400.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $185.00 - $14,500.00

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1887 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $26.00 - $94.00

  Uncirculated: $39.00 - $2,880.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $25.40

  Uncirculated: $75.40 - $1,352.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $75.00 - $2,800.00

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1887 Penny DDO FS-101, S-1, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $47.00 - $881.00

  Uncirculated: $600.00 - $1,093.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $24.51 - $560.00

  Uncirculated: $1,030.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $20.00 - $1,025.00

  Uncirculated: $1,100.00 - $2,100.00

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1887 Penny, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $600.00 - $3,840.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $2,250.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1,000.00 - $5,200.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1887 Cent

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1887 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value and desirability among collectors. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become increasingly scarce.

Key factors affecting value include:

1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on the headdress and diamonds in the ribbon, command premium prices.

2. Luster: Original mint luster, particularly the coveted cartwheel effect, greatly enhances value.

3. Color: Original red (RD) coins are the most valuable, followed by red-brown (RB), and then brown (BN) specimens.

4. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or spots are highly sought after.

Additional factors influencing the 1887 Cent's value include:

1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can increase desirability and value.

2. Die state: Late die state coins with interesting die cracks or cuds may appeal to specialized collectors.

3. Provenance: Coins with a documented history of belonging to notable collections can command a premium.

4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices than raw coins.

While not a key date, high-grade examples of the 1887 Indian Head Cent remain popular among type set collectors and series enthusiasts.