1869 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
- $5,475
- Sold
- Grade
- CH BU
- Auction house
- Stack's
Description
Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1869 Indian Head Cent is part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 6,420,000 cents dated 1869. 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 $117 to $1.1K 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 #2094.
External References
Error Varieties(7)
1869 Indian Head Cent Die Clash (Reverse, Full Face Transfer)
1869 Indian Head Cent Die Gouge (Reverse Shield)
1869 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-301 Snow-3
1869 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-302 Snow-1
1869 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-303 Snow-4
1869 Indian Head Cent Retained Cud (3 to 4:30)
RCD-1c-1869-01R Retained Cud
Other Strike Types in This Series
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