Numismatic

1886 Indian Head Cent Type-II VG

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The 1886 Indian Head Cent represents a fascinating chapter in late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck in Philadelphia, this one-cent piece is composed of a traditional alloy containing 95 percent copper, with the remaining 5 percent made of tin and zinc. It is classified as a Type II variety, representing a distinct design subtype within the broader series. On the obverse, the coin displays a depiction of Liberty adorned in an Native American feathered headdress, surrounded by the bold inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the date 1886 positioned at the bottom. This iconic imagery was created by James B. Longacre. The reverse features the simple denomination ONE CENT nestled inside a decorative wreath, emphasizing the practical utility of this everyday copper coin. This particular specimen is preserved in Very Good condition, showing the honest wear of a coin that circulated actively during the late 1800s. It offers a tangible connection to the post-Reconstruction era, when these small copper cents were the workhorses of daily commerce.