1861 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
$63,250 MS68 04-01-2009 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1861 Indian Head Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. With a mintage of 10.1 million, this is a less common issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% 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 an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $30 to $527 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 #2061.
