1868 Indian Head Cent
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$8,519 MS67BN 12-16-2021 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1868 Indian Head Cent is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. With a mintage of 10.3 million, this is a less common issue — the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% of production. 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. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $61 to $527 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 #2091.
External References
Error Varieties(8)
Verified Errors
1868 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 Snow-1
1868 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse FS-102 Snow-4
1868 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse FS-103 Snow-5
1868 Indian Head Cent Misplaced Date FS-301 Snow-8
1868 Indian Head Cent Misplaced Date FS-302 / Die Gouge FS-901 Snow-13
PC-1c-1868-01R Pre-Cud
Community Submissions
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