1859 Indian Head Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$34,500 MS66+ 02-02-2012 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1859 Indian Head Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The U.S. Mint produced 36.4 million examples, making this ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 47% of production. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often misidentified as a Native American — actually represents Liberty adorned with a chief's war bonnet and the reverse displays a laurel wreath enclosing ONE CENT, without the shield. The only year with the laurel wreath reverse — all subsequent years feature the oak wreath with shield design. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $19 to $997 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2052.
