1889 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1889 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1889 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.

1889 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $6.00 - $1,880.00

  Uncirculated: $22.00 - $960.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $8.50 - $120.00

  Uncirculated: $22.50 - $1,009.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $2.00 - $78.00

  Uncirculated: $80.00 - $400.00

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1889 Penny, BN (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $105.75 - $184.00

  Uncirculated: $62.00 - $1,560.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $100.00 - $3,299.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $90.00 - $2,000.00

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1889 Penny, RB (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1.30 - $4,600.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $161.00 - $699.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $160.00 - $1,250.00

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1889 Penny, RD (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,495.00

  Uncirculated: $150.00 - $9,400.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $575.00 - $750.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $275.00 - $3,500.00

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1889 Penny DDR FS-802 S-11, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $287.88
• eBay

  Circulated: $189.00 - $206.50
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $10.00 - $210.00

  Uncirculated: $250.00 - $400.00

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1889 Penny DDR FS-802 S-11, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $345.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $275.00 - $650.00

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1889 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $21.00

  Uncirculated: $45.00 - $1,668.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $26.00 - $988.75
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $80.00 - $1,300.00

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1889 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $104.00 - $17,825.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $152.00 - $8,840.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $100.00 - $15,000.00

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1889 Penny RPD FS-301 (010.8), BN (Regular Strike)

• eBay

  Circulated: $26.01
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $5.00 - $225.00

  Uncirculated: $275.00 - $650.00

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1889 Penny RPD FS-301 (FS-010.8), RB (Regular Strike)

• eBay

  Uncirculated: $405.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $300.00 - $900.00

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1889 Penny DDR FS-801, S-1, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $124.00 - $193.88

  Uncirculated: $104.00 - $216.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $135.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $25.00 - $350.00

  Uncirculated: $400.00 - $700.00

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1889 Penny RPD FS-302 S-4, BN (Regular Strike)

• eBay

  Uncirculated: $425.00

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1889 Penny DDR FS-801, S-1, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $345.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $500.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $475.00 - $1,000.00

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1889 Penny Misaligned Die Clash FS-901 S-31, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $432.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $225.00 - $300.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $10.00 - $315.00

  Uncirculated: $325.00 - $450.00

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1889 Penny, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $7,500.00 - $13,800.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $10,000.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1889 Cent

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1889 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. Due to its high mintage and long circulation period, finding high-grade examples can be challenging.

Uncirculated specimens, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are scarce and command substantial premiums. Coins with full mint luster and minimal contact marks are highly desirable.

The strike quality can vary, with well-struck examples showing full details on the Indian's headdress and the wreath on the reverse being more valuable. Red specimens (those retaining their original mint color) are rarer and more valuable than brown examples.

Toning can play a role in the coin's desirability, with attractively toned specimens often commanding higher prices. However, artificial toning is generally frowned upon by collectors.

While not particularly rare, the 1889 Indian Head Cent is popular among collectors due to its historical significance and the enduring appeal of the Indian Head design. Complete collections of Indian Head cents are highly sought after, making this date a necessary component for series collectors.

As with many copper coins, the preservation of original mint red color significantly increases value, with full red specimens being the most valuable, followed by red-brown, and then brown examples.