The 1886 Indian Head Cent Circulated is a regular strike coin minted at the Philadelphia Mint. As one of two major varieties produced that year, it is distinguished by the positioning of the headdress feathers relative to the word "AMERICA" on the obverse, designed by James Barton Longacre.
Product Specifications:
- Designer: James Barton Longacre
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 17,650,000
- Metal Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Year of Issue: 1886
Varieties:
Both Varieties 1 and 2 from 1886 share nearly equal scarcity, with Variety 2 being slightly rarer.
Condition and Rarity:
The coins are scarce in Gem condition (MS65) and are very rare in MS66, with no examples graded higher by PCGS as of October 2015. The Brown (BN) designation indicates that these coins have developed a full brown patina, which is common for copper coins of this age.
Collector Appeal:
The 1886 Variety 1 Indian Head Penny is sought after by collectors who appreciate the nuances between different die variations and those looking to complete or specialize in varieties within the Indian Head cent series.
