Indian Head Cent 1881 G-VG

The year 1881 holds a strange distinction, this year three different US presidents would hold office. Rutherford Hayes stepped down from the Oval Office as James Garfield was inaugurated. That summer he was shot and due to inadequate medical care, he died months later. His successor and Vice President, Chester Arthur, would be sworn into office shortly after. That same year, Phineas T. Barnum and John Anthony Bailey merged together to create perhaps the United States’ most famous traveling show, Barnum & Bailey Circus. The US Mint was creating new designs for future coinage, one prototype would later become the Liberty Head Nickel.

The 1881 Indian Head cent saw some changes relative to its partners from years before. Although the American goddess Liberty still graced the obverse of the coin with her Native American garb, the date had a small change. In prior years, the Indian Head cent’s date was typically written as if on a straight line. This year, the base which the date was written appeared to be curved. In 1881, the first two digits appeared to be written on a straight line, but the last two seem to be at an odd angle. The mintage figure was much like the prior year, with just under 40,000,000 issued. This year’s issue was circulated for quite a long time, even going well into the twentieth century. Today Mint state coins are found just from collectors and those who have accumulated cents in large quantities.

As with 1880, the 1881 Proof Indian Head cent had a high mintage and today many can be found in high grades. Most specimens are attractive with a strong mirror finish. Because many of the proofs from this era were not properly stored, so look out for proof issues with beautiful toning! This year does not include any popular varieties, however, as with almost every other Indian Head cent issued, some repunched dates exist. If you have any questions regarding the Indian Head Cent or varieties, please contact any of our knowledgeable staff at 800-735-1311, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

• Denomination: Cent
• Year: 1881
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: 1.5 mm
• Grade: Ungraded