1877 Indian Head Cent: The Key to the Series

The 1877 Indian Head Cent is one of the most coveted coins in all of U.S. numismatics. It represents a perfect storm of history, low mintage, and collector demand — making it a legendary piece for small cent enthusiasts.

 Background & History

Minted in the midst of a post-Civil War economic depression, the 1877 Indian Head Cent saw extremely low production numbers. With fewer than 900,000 coins struck, it holds the title of the lowest mintage in the entire Indian Head series. Designed by James B. Longacre, this coin has become the ultimate prize for collectors.

  • Minted during a post-Civil War depression
  • Only ~852,500 coins struck — the lowest of the entire Indian Head series (1859–1909)
  • Designed by James B. Longacre, U.S. Mint Chief Engraver

Collector Value (as of 2025)

Its scarcity makes the 1877 Indian Head Cent one of the highest-valued small cents, especially in higher grades. Even well-worn examples fetch hundreds of dollars.

  • G-4 (Good): ~$950
  • VF-20 (Very Fine): ~$1,900
  • MS-65 Red: $7,000–$11,000+


 

How to Identify One

To ensure authenticity, inspect the date carefully — the "1877" must be bold and properly centered. Be wary of counterfeit coins made by altering more common 1887 cents.

  • Look for a clean, well-centered "1877" date
  • "LIBERTY" in the headband should be visible in higher grades
  • Weighs 3.11 grams

Metal Composition

Although composed of base metals, the 1877 cent holds immense collectible value due to its rarity. Like most coins of the era, it’s made mostly of copper.

  • 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
  • Weight: 3.11 grams
  • Valued entirely for numismatic rarity, not for bullion

Fun Facts

The 1877 Indian Head Cent is so rare that many coin albums leave its slot blank — a nod to how difficult and expensive it is to acquire.

  • Known as the "King of Indian Heads"
  • Many coin albums leave the slot blank because of its cost
  • Authentic examples are often graded and slabbed to prevent fraud

Final Word

More than just a penny, the 1877 Indian Head Cent is a collector's rite of passage. Rare, beautiful, and steeped in history, it stands as the crown jewel of the Indian Head series and a prized find in any collection.