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1899

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 53,600,031
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-400

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About this coinHistory

The 1899 Indian Head cent was produced in approximately 53.6 million coins, one of the highest mintages in the series. The turn of the century was approaching, and the American economy was booming. The 1899 is a common date, plentiful and affordable, the kind of coin that fills a date set without requiring discussion or justification.

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 1899 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 1899 Indian Head Cents were minted?
53,600,031 were struck.
What is a 1899 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1899 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 1899 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.