As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.
1886 Type 2
| Weight | 3.11 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 17,654,290 Combined mintage for all 1886 varieties |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-372 |
Collection
Your collection
Sign in to track this coin.
One tap — add details later from your collection list.
The 1886 Type 2 Indian Head cent shows the last headdress feather pointing between the letters C and A in AMERICA. The modification was made by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, who slightly altered the portrait shape, lowered the relief, and eliminated some superfluous lines. Collector James Reynolds of Flint, Michigan first noticed the two types in August 1954, nearly seventy years after they were struck. Rick Snow estimates only about 3,650,000 Type 2 coins were produced versus approximately 14,000,000 Type 1s, making the Type 2 significantly scarcer.
The feather-position distinction is a straightforward diagnostic once you know where to look. Tilt the coin so the reverse is visible with the obverse headdress in view, and note where the lowest feather tip aligns with the reverse lettering. Between I and C is Type 1. Between C and A is Type 2. No magnification needed, just careful observation.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | $10 | $11.50 |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | $16.50 | $19 |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | $28 | $32 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $80 | $92 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $162 | $187 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $225 | $260 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $245 | $280 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $565 | $600 |
How much is a 1886 Type 2 Indian Head Cent worth?
How many 1886 Type 2 Indian Head Cents were minted?
What is a 1886 Type 2 Indian Head Cent made of?
What is the melt value of a 1886 Type 2 Indian Head Cent?
Is the 1886 Type 2 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.