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← 1887 Indian Head Cents • 1859–1909 1888 1888/7 Overdate →
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1888

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 37,494,414 Combined mintage for all 1888 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-376

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Varieties & References

Other recorded varieties for 1888:

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1888 Indian Head cent was produced in a mintage of approximately 37.5 million coins. The coin is a common date in the series, available across all grades. The late 1880s saw the admission of several western states (Montana, Washington, and the Dakotas would join in 1889), the continued growth of the railroad network, and the early stirrings of the Populist movement among farmers who felt squeezed by railroad rates and tight money. The cent circulated through all of it.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $3 $3.50
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $4 $4.50
F-12 Fine (F) $4.50 $5.50
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $8 $9
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $19.50 $23
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $25 $29
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $60 $69
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $158 $168
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1888 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $3–$3.50, rising to roughly $60–$69 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1888 Indian Head Cents were minted?
37,494,414 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1888 varieties).
What is a 1888 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1888 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 1888 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.