1880 Indian Head Cent Value Guide

The 1880 Indian Head Cent is a quintessential piece of post-Civil War American currency, featuring James B. Longacre's iconic design of Lady Liberty in a feathered tiara. With a high mintage of over 38 million, this bronze coin remains a popular entry point for numismatists interested in 19th-century US Mint history.

What affects the value of 1880 Indian Head Cent?

• Condition and grade, specifically the amount of wear on the feathers and the word 'LIBERTY'.
• Presence of original mint luster or attractive natural toning on the bronze surface.
• The absence of environmental damage, such as corrosion, pitting, or heavy scratching.
• The sharpness of the strike, particularly on the hair details and the shield on the reverse.

How to Identify 1880 Indian Head Cent?

• Verify the composition is bronze, consisting of copper, tin, and zinc.
• Look for the 'LIBERTY' inscription clearly visible on the headband of the profile.
• Check the reverse for the oak wreath and shield design introduced in 1860.
• Ensure the date '1880' is sharply struck at the bottom of the obverse side.

History of 1880 Indian Head Cent

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Indian Head Cent was produced by the US Mint from 1859 to 1909. Despite the name, the profile is actually Lady Liberty wearing a feathered tiara. The 1880 issue saw a high mintage of over 38 million, making it a staple of post-Civil War American commerce.