Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1898

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 49,823,079
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-398

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

The 1898 Indian Head cent was struck in approximately 49.8 million coins. The Spanish-American War erupted in April 1898, lasting just ten weeks but transforming the United States into a colonial power with territories stretching from Puerto Rico to the Philippines. The cent circulated in a nation that was, for the first time, projecting military power across oceans. The 1898 is a common date.

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) $6.50 $7.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $12.50 $14.50
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $19.50 $23
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $36 $42
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $78 $83
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1898 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $2.50, rising to roughly $36–$42 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1898 Indian Head Cents were minted?
49,823,079 were struck.
What is a 1898 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1898 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 1898 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.