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1903

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 85,094,493
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-408

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About this coinHistory

The 1903 Indian Head cent was produced in approximately 85.1 million coins. The Wright brothers flew at Kitty Hawk in December 1903, a moment that would eventually reshape every aspect of American life. The cent that Americans used to buy the newspaper carrying that story was Longacre's Indian Head, now 44 years old and as familiar as the flag. The 1903 is a common date.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $1.50 $2
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $2.50 $2.50
F-12 Fine (F) $4 $4.50
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $4.50 $5.50
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $8 $9
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $16.50 $19
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $33 $38
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS) $69 $73
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1903 Indian Head Cent worth?
In Good condition it runs about $1.50–$2, rising to roughly $33–$38 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1903 Indian Head Cents were minted?
85,094,493 were struck.
What is a 1903 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1903 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 1903 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.