1887 Indian Head Cent

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1887

Denomination

Cent

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Indian Head Cents 1859-1909

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Mintage

45,223,523

Composition

95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Weight

3.11g

Diameter

19mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$4.96 - $144

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: $1,175
Sold: 24 January 2021
Grade: MS66BN
Auction house: eBay

Description

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1887 Indian Head Cent is part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 45,223,523 cents dated 1887. 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $5 to $144 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 #2157.

External References

🔗PCGS CoinFacts 🔗NGC Coin Explorer

Error Varieties(21)

Die ClashNumisDex Discovery

SHD-1c-1887-01R Shattered Die

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