1897 Indian Head Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1897 Indian Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series — 39th of 51 years in the series. In 1897, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 50.5 million. This ranks 35th 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 identified one known die variety for this date (doubled die obverse). Across its variants, estimated values range from $4 to $313 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $3.1K in PR67BN grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by James Barton Longacre.