1886 Indian Head Cent : All Varieties

Bronze Composite Penny

Mintage: 17,650,000

Minted at: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

Designer - Engraver: James B Longacre

Metal Composition: 95% Copper - 5% Tin and Zinc

Diameter: 19 mm

Mass / Weight: 3.11 grams

What This Coin Looks Like (Obverse, Reverse, Mint Mark Location, Special Features, etc.):

There were two major types of 1886 Indian Head Cent (Penny) varieties. The difference between the type 1 vs type 2 1886 Indian head cent is a slight style change particularly on the obverse of the coin. The type 1 style was the earlier one which is best identified by noticing the last "A" in "AMERICA" on the reverse of the coin. The leading "A" is closer to the date and lines up with the Indian head's lock of hair. The type 2 version was the newer style where the "A" appears further away from the date in the counter-clockwise direction. The difference between the two is depicted in the example image above. Please note the differences in width between the white lines.

Major Varieties:
1886 Type 1 Indian Head Cent
1886 Type 2 Indian Head Cent