1886 Indian Head Cent Value Guide

The 1886 Indian Head Cent is a prized bronze coin designed by James B. Longacre, featuring Lady Liberty in a feathered tiara. This specific year is highly collectible due to a mid-year design transition that resulted in two distinct varieties based on feather positioning.

What Is 1886 Indian Head Cent Worth?

The typical price range for 1886 Indian Head Cent is $10 - $11 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Variety type, as the positioning of the lowest feather significantly impacts the desirability among specialized collectors.
• The amount of original mint luster remaining and the overall preservation of the bronze surfaces.
• The clarity of the four diamonds on the ribbon and the visibility of all letters in 'LIBERTY'.
• Presence of any environmental damage, such as corrosion or heavy toning, which can lower the $10-$11 baseline value.

How to Identify 1886 Indian Head Cent?

• Check the lowest feather on Liberty's headdress to determine if it is a Variety 1 (points between I and C) or Variety 2 (points between C and A).
• Verify the bronze composition and the sharp details of the 'LIBERTY' inscription on the headband.
• Examine the reverse side for the standard oak wreath and shield design used during the 1886 production run.
• Look for the designer's initial 'L' which may be visible on the ribbon behind Liberty's neck on well-preserved specimens.

History of 1886 Indian Head Cent

Designed by James B. Longacre and struck between 1859 and 1909, the Indian Head Cent is one of the most beloved American coins. Interestingly, the portrait is actually of Lady Liberty wearing a feathered tiara, which Longacre's daughter allegedly modeled for. By 1886, the coin's design underwent a slight modification in the positioning of the lowest feather, creating two distinct varieties for that year.