1871 Indian Head Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$3,600 MS66BN 01-03-2018 Heritage Auctions
Description
A cent from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1871 Indian Head Cent belongs to the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. With a mintage of 3.9 million, this is a scarce issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% of production. 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. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $112 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 #2100.
External References
Error Varieties(5)
Verified Errors
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Other Strike Types in This Series
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