1897 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1897 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1897 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.

1897 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $10.00 - $230.00

  Uncirculated: $23.00 - $865.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $1.50 - $329.00

  Uncirculated: $10.50 - $860.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $2.00 - $65.00

  Uncirculated: $70.00 - $240.00

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1897 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $42.00 - $45,600.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $170.50 - $15,370.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $80.00 - $135,000.00

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1897 Penny, BN (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $109.00

  Uncirculated: $86.00 - $3,100.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $150.00 - $2,984.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $150.00 - $3,500.00

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1897 Penny, RB (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1.75 - $10,350.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $168.00 - $1,575.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $160.00 - $12,500.00

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1897 Penny, RD (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $334.00 - $20,700.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $177.50 - $497.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $225.00 - $12,000.00

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1897 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $32.00

  Uncirculated: $23.00 - $1,400.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $52.00 - $999.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $75.00 - $1,450.00

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1897 Penny, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $1,093.00 - $40,800.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $909.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $450.00 - $45,000.00

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1897 Penny RPD FS-402 S-8, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $216.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $27.00 - $160.00

  Uncirculated: $215.00 - $400.00

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1897 Penny RPD FS-402 S-8, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $158.63 - $780.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $625.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $230.00 - $575.00

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1897 Penny, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $7,050.00 - $108,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $12,500.00 - $110,000.00

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1897 Penny MPD FS-401, S-1, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $39.50 - $978.00

  Uncirculated: $633.00 - $3,360.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $9.50 - $750.00

  Uncirculated: $586.00 - $670.09
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $55.00 - $325.00

  Uncirculated: $350.00 - $3,500.00

More Detail

1897 Penny MPD FS-401 S-1 (011.5), RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $2,350.00 - $3,840.00

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Design and Specifications of the 1897 Cent

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of an 1897 Indian Head Cent. While the coin is relatively common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become progressively more valuable. Coins graded MS63 or higher command significant premiums.

Key factors affecting condition include:

- Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially in the headdress feathers and diamonds in the ribbon, are highly desirable.
- Luster: Original mint luster adds considerable value to uncirculated specimens.
- Color: Natural red or red-brown toning is preferred over brown examples.

Rarity in high grades: While the 1897 cent is common in lower grades, it becomes increasingly scarce in grades above MS65, with gem-quality specimens being quite valuable.

Die varieties: Although no major varieties are known for this year, minor die variations or repunched dates can add interest and value for specialized collectors.

Historical significance: As part of the beloved Indian Head series, this coin holds appeal for both type set collectors and series enthusiasts, contributing to its steady demand in the numismatic market.