1889 Indian Head Cent

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1889

Denomination

Cent

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Indian Head Cents 1859-1909

Designer

James Barton Longacre

Mintage

48,866,025

Composition

95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Weight

3.11g

Diameter

19mm

Edge

Plain

Value Estimates

$3.62 - $100

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

$1,880 AU55BN 08-02-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1889 Indian Head Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a cent in the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The U.S. Mint produced 48.9 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $4 to $100 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 #2172.

External References

🔗PCGS CoinFacts 🔗NGC Coin Explorer

Error Varieties(6)