1861 Indian Head Cent

Base

About This Coin

The 1861 Indian Head Cent is a United States cent from the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. In 1861, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 10.1 million. 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 in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.67 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 6 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including cud, pre-cud. Across its variants, estimated values range from $30 to $1.9K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $63K in MS68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.

Value Estimates

$30 - $1,878

Values as of May 2026 across all of this coin's strike types, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.