Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1876

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Semi-key
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 7,944,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-350

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

The 1876 Indian Head cent was produced in a mintage of approximately 7.9 million coins, a decline from the previous two years that returns the date to semi-key territory. The lower mintage makes the 1876 notably scarcer than the 1874 and 1875 and places it among the more challenging dates of the post-war period. Good to Fine is the typical grade range, with higher grades harder to find than for the common-date 1880s issues.

The year 1876 was the nation's centennial. The Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia drew nearly 10 million visitors and showcased American industrial achievement to the world. The Indian Head cent, by then seventeen years old and thoroughly familiar, was the coin visitors used for streetcar fare and refreshments at the fairgrounds. The Mint struck a commemorative medal for the event but not a commemorative coin. The Indian Head cent, unmarked for the occasion, served the centennial in the most practical way possible: it made change.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $33 $38
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $40 $46
F-12 Fine (F) $67 $77
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $121 $140
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $183 $210
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $225 $260
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $265 $305
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $400 $420
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1876 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $33–$38, rising to roughly $265–$305 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1876 Indian Head Cents were minted?
7,944,000 were struck.
What is a 1876 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1876 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 1876 Indian Head Cent a key date?
It's a semi-key date — scarcer than common issues but more available than the series' key dates.