Indian Head Cent
(1859 – 1909)

There are quite a few cent designs out there, and the Indian Head is definitely one of the favorites among collectors. These coins have a wide variety of values and can be found relatively easily when searching both local and online markets. Indian Head Cents debuted in 1859, just prior to the American Civil War, and continued to be minted until 1909.

Indian Head Cents trace their lineage back to the Large Cent. As previously discussed, Large Cents began production in 1793, but faced public skepticism due to the legal tender restrictions at the time. Being composed mainly of copper, these coins lacked the perceived intrinsic value associated with gold and silver coins, which were widely accepted for things like government taxes and municipal fees.

The need to reduce the size and composition of the cent led to the Flying Eagle Cent (1856–1858), a smaller and lighter coin made with less than 90% copper. However, the Flying Eagle design quickly encountered production issues and was discontinued. Its replacement, the Indian Head Cent, was introduced in 1859.

The design of the Indian Head Cent was created by James B. Longacre, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The obverse features the profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American-style feathered headdress, while the reverse originally displayed a simple laurel wreath, which was later changed to an oak wreath and shield in 1860. This design remained relatively consistent throughout the coin’s production lifespan.

Indian Head Cent Values and Market

Indian Head Cents are immensely popular among collectors. For many years, these coins could be found in bulk bins at coin shops, but rising interest and dwindling supplies have increased their value. The early years of the Indian Head series, especially those minted before and during the Civil War, are especially sought after and can command high premiums.

Later-year coins (post-1890s) are generally more common and affordable, especially in lower grades. However, coins from the first few years of the series and those with low mintages or unique varieties can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on condition.

Valuation Chart

The chart below provides estimated average retail values for Indian Head Cents in Good (G-4), Fine (F-12), and Extremely Fine (EF-40) condition.

Key Date and Notable Varieties

Historical Context by Year

• 1859 – First year of issue; U.S. tensions rise ahead of the Civil War.

• 1860 – Abraham Lincoln is elected president amid a divided nation.

• 1861 – Civil War begins; coin reflects wartime shortages and hoarding.

• 1862 – War intensifies; coins increasingly pulled from circulation.

• 1863 – Gettysburg battle year; cent usage continues despite coin scarcity.

• 1864 – Introduction of bronze composition; “L” initial appears on some coins.

• 1865 – Civil War ends; Lincoln assassinated shortly after.

• 1866 – Reconstruction era begins; new economic challenges arise.

• 1867 – Post-war recovery continues amid political tension.

• 1868 – Ulysses S. Grant elected president; rebuilding the nation.

• 1869 – Transcontinental Railroad completed; Western expansion surges.

• 1870 – Currency stabilizes; cent production continues steadily.

• 1871 – Great Chicago Fire highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities.

• 1872 – Scandals and financial unrest dominate the Grant presidency.

• 1873 – Coinage Act of 1873 ends silver dollar minting; Closed 3/ Open 3 varieties minted.

• 1874 – Economic uncertainty persists after Panic of 1873.

• 1875 – Centennial preparations begin; coin mintage increases.

• 1876 – U.S. celebrates 100 years; controversial presidential election occurs.

• 1877 – Record low mintage; nation faces labor strikes and economic struggle.

• 1878 – Post-panic recovery and silver dollar production resumes.

• 1879 – Industrialization accelerates; coin collecting gains slow interest.

• 1880 – Political corruption probes dominate headlines.

• 1881 – President Garfield assassinated; political reform begins.

• 1882 – Arthur becomes president; government modernization efforts start.

• 1883 – Brooklyn Bridge nears completion; infrastructure improves.

• 1884 – Grover Cleveland elected president; Civil Service Reform Act passes.

• 1885 – Second Cleveland term begins; labor movement expands.

• 1886 – Statue of Liberty dedicated; significant year for immigration.

• 1887 – Dawes Act reshapes Native American land rights.

• 1888 – Harrison defeats Cleveland amid tariff debates.

• 1889 – Oklahoma Land Rush begins; frontier spirit thrives.

• 1890 – Sherman Antitrust Act passed; battles monopolies.

• 1891 – New Orleans lynching causes international incident.

• 1892 – Ellis Island immigration station opens.

• 1893 – Severe depression hits economy; panic affects coin values.

• 1894 – Economic recovery slowly begins post-panic.

• 1895 – Cuban War of Independence sparks American attention.

• 1896 – McKinley wins presidency; gold standard advocated.

• 1897 – Klondike Gold Rush begins; coin collecting becomes popular.

• 1898 – Spanish-American War fought; U.S. gains overseas territories.

• 1899 – Philippine-American War continues post-Spanish defeat.

• 1900 – Boxer Rebellion underway; U.S. enters global affairs.

• 1901 – McKinley assassinated; Theodore Roosevelt becomes president.

• 1902 – Trust-busting and reform define Roosevelt’s leadership.

• 1903 – Wright Brothers achieve first flight; innovation soars.

• 1904 – Louisiana Purchase Exposition showcases American progress.

• 1905 – Russo-Japanese War monitored closely by U.S.

• 1906 – San Francisco earthquake devastates California.

• 1907 – Financial Panic of 1907 triggers banking reforms.

• 1908 – Model T production begins; 1908-S marks San Francisco cent debut.

• 1909 – Final year of issue; Lincoln Cent introduced; 1909-S ends the series.
  

Final Thoughts

The Indian Head Cent stands as one of the most cherished coins in American numismatics. Its classic design, wide range of values, and long mintage run offer something for every level of collector. While common-date examples remain affordable, the rarer key and semi-key dates provide thrilling challenges and potential long-term value. Proper grading and authentication—especially for rarities like the 1877 and 1909-S—are critical when buying or selling.

With a series that spans 50 years and covers some of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history, from the Civil War through the dawn of the 20th century, collecting Indian Head Cents is not just a hobby—it’s an exploration of American heritage in the palm of your hand.