1870 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
$2,760 MS66 11-15-2011 Stack's Bowers
Description
The 1870 Indian Head Cent, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 collection. With a mintage of 5.3 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $81 to $929 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 #2097.
External References
Error Varieties(12)
Verified Errors
1870 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1870 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1870 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse and Misplaced Date FS-102 Snow-5
1870 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Obverse FS-101
1870 Indian Head Cent Doubled Die Reverse FS-801
1870 Indian Head Cent Misplaced Date and Doubled Die Reverse FS-302
1870 Indian Head Cent Pickaxe Die Gouge FS-303
1870 Indian Head Cent Repunched Date FS-301
1870 Indian Head Cent Shallow N FS-901
Community Submissions
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