As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.
1870
| Weight | 3.11 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 5,275,000 |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-336 |
Collection
Your collection
Sign in to track this coin.
One tap — add details later from your collection list.
No additional varieties recorded for this strike.
External references
The 1870 Indian Head cent had a mintage of approximately 5.3 million coins, continuing the low-production trend of the late 1860s. The semi-key status makes the 1870 a coin that requires active searching, particularly above Fine. The date circulated during the first full decade after the Civil War, a period of rapid industrialization, political corruption (the Tweed Ring in New York, the Credit Mobilier scandal), and westward expansion.
Most surviving 1870 cents show honest circulation wear. Good to Very Good is the typical grade range. A problem-free Fine with original surfaces is a coin worth securing when it appears, because the next one at that quality level may not surface quickly.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | $67 | $77 |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | $141 | $163 |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | $172 | $199 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $260 | $300 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $360 | $415 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $450 | $520 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $560 | $645 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $905 | $960 |
How much is a 1870 Indian Head Cent worth?
How many 1870 Indian Head Cents were minted?
What is a 1870 Indian Head Cent made of?
What is the melt value of a 1870 Indian Head Cent?
Is the 1870 Indian Head Cent a key date?
Live listings from eBay. As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you click a link and make a purchase. See all on eBay →
It is important that you educate yourself on a coin before making a substantial purchase, as some coins on eBay could be counterfeit or misrepresented. eBay Money Back Guarantee protects the buyer in these cases.