1902 Indian Head Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1902 Indian Head Cent Base is a United States cent from the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series — a late issue, 44th of 51 years in the series. In 1902, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 87.4 million. This ranks 48th 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. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have identified 5 known die varieties for this date, including cud, pre-cud, retained cud, typical die clash. Across its variants, estimated values range from $3 to $313 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $4.4K in MS60 grade at Goldberg Auctioneers. Designed by James Barton Longacre.