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1882

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 38,581,100
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-362

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About this coinHistory

The 1882 Indian Head cent had a mintage of approximately 38.6 million coins, maintaining the high production levels of the early 1880s. The coin circulated during a period of relative prosperity between the Depression of 1873 and the Panic of 1893. Immigration was surging, cities were expanding, and the industrial economy was creating wealth (and inequality) at unprecedented rates. The cent handled the small transactions that sustained daily life for millions of working Americans.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $4 $4.50
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $4.50 $5.50
F-12 Fine (F) $8 $9
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $10 $11.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $25 $29
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $28 $32
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $53 $61
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $95 $101
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1882 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $4–$4.50, rising to roughly $53–$61 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1882 Indian Head Cents were minted?
38,581,100 were struck.
What is a 1882 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1882 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 1882 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.