1887 Indian Head Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1887 Indian Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series — 29th of 51 years in the series. In 1887, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 65.8 million. This ranks 40th of 51 years by total mintage, above 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 cataloged 33 known die varieties for this date across 6 categories, including cud, die chip, pre-cud and 3 other types. Produced 10 years after the celebrated 1877 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $5 to $313 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $6.5K in PR67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.