1896 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1896 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1896 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.

1896 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $13.00 - $575.00

  Uncirculated: $16.00 - $661.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $5.57 - $425.00

  Uncirculated: $19.55 - $709.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $1.00 - $62.00

  Uncirculated: $65.00 - $460.00

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1896 Penny, RB (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $1,725.00

  Uncirculated: $1.75 - $1,527.50
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $159.09 - $1,550.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $175.00 - $1,900.00

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1896 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $69.00 - $25,300.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $49.00 - $3,555.55
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $75.00 - $15,500.00

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1896 Penny, BN (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $69.00 - $3,840.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $126.36 - $1,599.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $150.00 - $1,750.00

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1896 Penny, RD (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $276.00 - $6,000.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $380.00 - $1,506.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $225.00 - $7,000.00

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1896 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $39.00 - $3,055.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $58.00 - $1,325.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $70.00 - $3,250.00

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1896 Penny, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $805.00 - $9,300.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $775.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $500.00 - $12,000.00

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1896 Penny RPD FS-301 S-1 (011.4), BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $117.50
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $164.11
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $26.00 - $107.00

  Uncirculated: $160.00 - $210.00

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1896 Penny RPD FS-301 S-1, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $92.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $160.00 - $360.00

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1896 Penny RPD FS-301 S-1, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $425.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $170.00 - $600.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1896 Cent

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of an 1896 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, specimens in uncirculated condition become increasingly valuable. Coins graded MS63 or higher are particularly desirable among collectors.

Key factors affecting the coin's condition include:

1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on the Indian's headdress and the wreath on the reverse, command higher premiums.

2. Luster: Original mint luster, particularly if it's full and cartwheel-like, greatly enhances the coin's appeal and value.

3. Surface preservation: Coins free from noticeable marks, scratches, or other blemishes are more valuable.

4. Color: Original red or red-brown specimens are typically more desirable than brown examples.

Toning can play a role in the coin's desirability, with attractive, natural toning often increasing appeal to collectors. However, unattractive or artificial toning can negatively impact value.

Die varieties, while not particularly notable for this year, can add some premium if discovered. Collectors should look for repunched dates or doubled dies, though these are rare for 1896 cents.

The overall eye appeal of the coin, combining all these factors, ultimately plays a crucial role in determining its value in the collector market.