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← 1879 Indian Head Cents • 1859–1909 1881 →
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1880

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 38,964,955
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-358

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Varieties & References

No additional varieties recorded for this strike.

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1880 Indian Head cent was produced in a mintage of approximately 38.9 million coins, among the highest in the series. The Gilded Age was in full swing: railroads were expanding, factories were multiplying, and the urban population was growing. The copper cent circulated through an economy that was becoming recognizably modern, with department stores, mail-order catalogs, and mass-produced goods creating a consumer culture that relied on small denominations for everyday transactions.

The massive mintage makes the 1880 one of the most common Indian Head dates. Examples are available in every grade from About Good through gem Uncirculated. The 1880 is frequently recommended as an affordable type coin for the bronze Indian Head cent.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $4 $4.50
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $5.50 $6.50
F-12 Fine (F) $8 $9
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $12.50 $14.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $28 $32
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $48 $55
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $65 $75
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $131 $139
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1880 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $4–$4.50, rising to roughly $65–$75 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1880 Indian Head Cents were minted?
38,964,955 were struck.
What is a 1880 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1880 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 1880 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.