View All 1869 Indian Head Cent

1869 Proof Indian Head Cent

Strike Type
1869 (P) Cent coin

Coin Details

Year
1869
Denomination
Cent
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Proof
Series
Indian Head Cents 1859-1909
Designer
James Barton Longacre
Mintage
600
Composition
95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Weight
3.11g
Diameter
19mm
Edge
Plain

Value Estimates

$458

Value as of May 2026, from the one price recorded for this coin. Actual sales can differ. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.

Auction Record

Price realized
$6,000
Sold
Grade
PR66+BN
Auction house
eBay

Description

The 1869 Proof Indian Head Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 600 proof 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. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Estimated market value is approximately $458. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2294.

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