1883 Indian Head Cent

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1883

Denomination

Cent

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Indian Head Cents 1859-1909

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Mintage

45,591,500

Composition

95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Weight

3.11g

Diameter

19mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$6.25 - $112

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

$4,025 MS67BN 09-21-2005 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

Part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series, the 1883 Indian Head Cent is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint. The U.S. Mint produced 45.6 million examples, making this 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. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $6 to $112 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 #2145.

External References

🔗PCGS CoinFacts 🔗NGC Coin Explorer

Error Varieties(7)

CU-1c-1883-01R Rim Cud

Community Submissions

Pre-Cud