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1879

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 16,231,200
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-356

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Varieties & References

No additional varieties recorded for this strike.

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1879 Indian Head cent was produced in a mintage of approximately 16.2 million coins, a sharp increase from the depressed outputs of the 1870s. The Depression of 1873 had finally lifted, and economic growth was accelerating. The higher mintage marks the beginning of the Indian Head series' most available period, which would last through the early 1900s. The 1879 is the transition coin between the semi-key 1870s and the common-date era that follows.

The improved economy meant more commerce, more transactions, and more demand for small change. The cent was needed in quantity, and the Mint delivered. The 1879 is available in circulated grades without difficulty. Good to Fine examples are plentiful, and even Uncirculated pieces surface regularly. The coin is one of the more affordable Indian Head dates for collectors entering the series.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $8 $9
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $10 $11.50
F-12 Fine (F) $16.50 $19
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $36 $42
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $60 $69
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $67 $77
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $80 $92
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $176 $186
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1879 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $8–$9, rising to roughly $80–$92 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1879 Indian Head Cents were minted?
16,231,200 were struck.
What is a 1879 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1879 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 1879 Indian Head Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.