1878 Indian Head Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1878 Indian Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series — 20th of 51 years in the series. In 1878, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 5.8 million. This ranks 5th of 51 years by total mintage, below the series median of 39.0 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. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. 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). Struck one year after the 1877 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $43 to $498 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $2.0K in PCGS Genuine grade at eBay. Designed by James Barton Longacre.