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← 1889 Indian Head Cents • 1859–1909 1891 →
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1890

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 57,182,854
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-381

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Varieties & References

No additional varieties recorded for this strike.

External references

About this coinHistory

The 1890 Indian Head cent was produced in approximately 57.2 million coins, one of the highest mintages in the series. The Census of 1890 counted 62.9 million Americans, the frontier was officially declared closed, and Wounded Knee marked the end of the Indian Wars. The coin bearing a Native American motif circulated in a country that was, in 1890, completing its conquest of the continent. The irony was not lost on contemporaries, though few expressed it publicly.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $2.50 $2.50
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $3 $3.50
F-12 Fine (F) $4 $4.50
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $5.50 $6.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $12.50 $14.50
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $22 $26
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $48 $55
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $85 $90
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1890 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $2.50, rising to roughly $48–$55 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1890 Indian Head Cents were minted?
57,182,854 were struck.
What is a 1890 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1890 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 1890 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.