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)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 - $1,880.00Uncirculated: $22.00 - $960.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 - $120.00Uncirculated: $22.50 - $1,009.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 - $78.00Uncirculated: $80.00 - $400.00
1889 Penny, BN (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $105.75 - $184.00Uncirculated: $62.00 - $1,560.00
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eBayUncirculated: $100.00 - $3,299.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $90.00 - $2,000.00
1889 Penny, RB (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.30 - $4,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $161.00 - $699.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 - $1,250.00
1889 Penny, RD (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,495.00Uncirculated: $150.00 - $9,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $575.00 - $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 - $3,500.00
1889 Penny DDR FS-802 S-11, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $287.88
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eBayCirculated: $189.00 - $206.50
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 - $210.00Uncirculated: $250.00 - $400.00
1889 Penny DDR FS-802 S-11, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $345.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $275.00 - $650.00
1889 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00Uncirculated: $45.00 - $1,668.00
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eBayUncirculated: $26.00 - $988.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80.00 - $1,300.00
1889 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $104.00 - $17,825.00
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eBayUncirculated: $152.00 - $8,840.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 - $15,000.00
1889 Penny RPD FS-301 (010.8), BN (Regular Strike)
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eBayCirculated: $26.01
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 - $225.00Uncirculated: $275.00 - $650.00
1889 Penny RPD FS-301 (FS-010.8), RB (Regular Strike)
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eBayUncirculated: $405.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 - $900.00
1889 Penny DDR FS-801, S-1, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $124.00 - $193.88Uncirculated: $104.00 - $216.00
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eBayCirculated: $135.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 - $350.00Uncirculated: $400.00 - $700.00
1889 Penny RPD FS-302 S-4, BN (Regular Strike)
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eBayUncirculated: $425.00
1889 Penny DDR FS-801, S-1, RB (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $345.00
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eBayUncirculated: $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 - $1,000.00
1889 Penny Misaligned Die Clash FS-901 S-31, BN (Regular Strike)
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $432.00
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eBayCirculated: $225.00 - $300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 - $315.00Uncirculated: $325.00 - $450.00
1889 Penny, CAM (Proof)
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7,500.00 - $13,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1889 Cent
The 1889 Indian Head Cent was part of the long-running Indian Head cent series, which was produced from 1859 to 1909. This coin was minted during a period of economic growth and industrialization in the United States, known as the Gilded Age.
The Indian Head design, created by James Barton Longacre, was widely popular and remained in circulation for five decades. The 1889 issue represents a typical year of production for this series, with a substantial mintage to meet the needs of commerce.
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| 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 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.
Mintage: 48,869,361
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above due to heavy circulation
Varieties Errors: None significant for this year
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with collectors of Indian Head cents and type set collectors
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.
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