1871 Proof Indian Head Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
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
- $5,040
- Sold
- Grade
- PR66BN
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1871 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 960 proof cents dated 1871. 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 $407. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2300.
External References
Error Varieties(1)
Other Strike Types in This Series
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