1905 Cent Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1905 Cent Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1905 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.

1905 Penny, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $5.00 - $413.00

  Uncirculated: $12.00 - $960.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $2.25 - $96.50

  Uncirculated: $10.50 - $799.95
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $1.00 - $44.00

  Uncirculated: $50.00 - $450.00

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1905 Penny, RD (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $35.00 - $19,975.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $62.00 - $19,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $60.00 - $17,000.00

More Detail

1905 Penny, RD (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $690.00

  Uncirculated: $184.00 - $11,750.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $274.93 - $960.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $225.00 - $8,150.00

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1905 Penny, BN (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $121.00 - $3,335.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $160.50 - $1,025.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $100.00 - $115.00

  Uncirculated: $125.00 - $3,000.00

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1905 Penny, RB (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $0.95 - $5,405.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $183.50 - $1,699.99
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $160.00 - $6,500.00

More Detail

1905 Penny RPD FS-301 S-1, BN (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $396.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Circulated: $14.00 - $190.00

  Uncirculated: $220.00 - $425.00

More Detail

1905 Penny, RB (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $9.00 - $44.00

  Uncirculated: $31.00 - $1,726.00
• eBay

  Circulated: $46.25

  Uncirculated: $10.00 - $725.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $55.00 - $850.00

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1905 Penny, CAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $3,819.00 - $23,000.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $500.00 - $26,500.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1905 Cent

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of a 1905 Indian Head Cent significantly impacts its value. While common in circulated grades, examples in uncirculated condition become progressively more valuable. Coins graded MS63 and above command substantial premiums, with those in MS65 or higher being quite scarce and highly sought after by collectors.

Key factors affecting the coin's desirability include:

1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on the Indian's headdress and the wreath on the reverse, are more valuable.

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

3. Color: Natural, original red or red-brown color is preferred over brown. Full red specimens are the most valuable.

4. Surface preservation: Coins free from notable marks, scratches, or other imperfections are more desirable.

While the 1905 Indian Head Cent is not considered a key date, certain factors can increase its value:

1. Toning: Attractive, natural toning can enhance the coin's appeal and value, especially for high-grade specimens.

2. Die varieties: Although no major varieties are known for this year, minor die variations or repunched dates might interest specialized collectors.

3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or those from famous collections can command a premium.

4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for more than raw (ungraded) coins.

The 1905 Indian Head Cent, while common, remains popular among collectors as part of the iconic Indian Head series and as a representative of early 20th-century American coinage.