1869 Indian Head Cent

Base

About This Coin

The 1869 Indian Head Cent is a United States cent from the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. In 1869, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 6.4 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. 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. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (retained cud). Produced 8 years before the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $117 to $1.1K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $6.0K in PR66+BN grade at eBay. Designed by James Barton Longacre.

Value Estimates

$117 - $1,064

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.