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← 1867 1867/67 Repunched Date Indian Head Cents • 1859–1909 1869 →
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1868

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Semi-key
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 10,266,500
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-332

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Varieties & References

No additional varieties recorded for this strike.

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1868 Indian Head cent was struck in a mintage of approximately 10 million coins, continuing the moderate production levels of the Reconstruction era. The date is classified as semi-key, harder to find than the common 1880s-1890s dates but not as challenging as the 1877 key date. Most surviving examples are in lower circulated grades, and the semi-key premium reflects the reduced mintage relative to the pre-war and post-1878 years.

The late 1860s were a period of industrial expansion and westward migration. The transcontinental railroad was nearing completion (it would be finished in May 1869), and the economy was growing rapidly despite the political turmoil of Reconstruction. The Indian Head cent, worth one cent at a time when a skilled laborer might earn two dollars a day, handled the smallest transactions in this expanding economy.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $40 $46
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $59 $68
F-12 Fine (F) $67 $77
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $106 $122
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $146 $169
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $205 $235
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $265 $305
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $450 $475
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1868 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $40–$46, rising to roughly $265–$305 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1868 Indian Head Cents were minted?
10,266,500 were struck.
What is a 1868 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1868 Indian Head Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1868 Indian Head Cent a key date?
It's a semi-key date — scarcer than common issues but more available than the series' key dates.