1866 Indian Head Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, 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.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $4,140
- Sold
- Grade
- MS66
- Auction house
- Goldberg Auctioneers
Description
The 1866 Indian Head Cent is a cent minted at the Philadelphia Mint, within the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 9,826,500 cents dated 1866. 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. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $73 to $556 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2085.
External References
Error Varieties(12)
1866 Indian Head Cent Die Clash (Obverse)
1866 Indian Head Cent Die Clash (Reverse, Multiple Clashes)
1866 Indian Head Cent Die Clash (Reverse)
1866 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 Snow-1
1866 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-301 Snow-2
1866 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-302 Snow-3
1866 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-303 Snow-9
CU-1c-1866-01 Cud
CU-1c-1866-02R Cud
CU-1c-1866-03 Rim Cud
CU-1c-1866-04R Rim Cud
RCD-1c-1866-01 & 02 Retained Cud
Other Strike Types in This Series
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