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1888 1888/7 Overdate

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Variety
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-378

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About this coinHistory

The 1888/7 overdate is the last significant overdate in the Indian Head series. The final digit of the date shows an 8 punched over a 7, with traces of the underlying 7 visible within the curves of the 8. The Mint reused an 1887 die by updating the date, a practice that was becoming less common by the late 1880s as production methods modernized. The 1888/7 is one of only a few overdates in the entire Indian Head series, making it a popular variety target.

The overdate is identifiable on coins in Fine or better, where the date area retains enough detail to show the doubled digits. On heavily worn coins, the underlying 7 can be ambiguous. Certification services attribute the overdate, and confirmed examples carry a meaningful premium over standard 1888 cents. The variety is popular enough to appear in the Red Book, giving it broad visibility beyond the specialist market.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1888 1888/7 Overdate Indian Head Cents were minted?
37,494,414 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1888 varieties).
What is a 1888 1888/7 Overdate Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1888 1888/7 Overdate 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 1888/7 Overdate 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.