1870 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
- $2,760
- Sold
- Grade
- MS66
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1870 Indian Head Cent, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 collection. The Philadelphia Mint struck 5,275,000 cents dated 1870. 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $81 to $929 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 #2097.
External References
Error Varieties(12)
1870 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1870 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1870 Indian Head Cent Die Clash (Obverse and Reverse)
1870 Indian Head Cent Die Clash Multiple Transfers
1870 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse and Doubled Die Reverse
1870 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse and Misplaced Date FS-102 Snow-5
1870 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse FS-101
1870 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Reverse FS-801
1870 Indian Head Cent Misplaced Date and Doubled Die Reverse FS-302
1870 Indian Head Cent Pickaxe Die Gouge FS-303
1870 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-301
1870 Indian Head Cent Shallow N FS-901
Other Strike Types in This Series
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