Indian Head Cent 1886 Type I G-VG

For the first time, the United States labor movement gained international attention. In 1886, workers in Chicago went on strike on May 1st, calling for an eight hour work day. A couple days later, the Chicago police fired into the crowd killing four strikers and wounding others. This lasted for days and became known as Chicago’s Haymarket Massacre. By the end, seven labor leaders would be hanged after a trial. In entertainment, vaudeville became wildly popular even though it had only been around for such a short time. Within decades, Edward Albee gained a virtual monopoly of the industry.

There was actually a change in the die in 1886. Charles Barber, the chief engraver of the US Mint at the time, changed the shape of Liberty’s portrait and lowered the relief of the coin. The purpose of this was to get rid of extra outlines found on the chief die. The simplest way to determine the difference between the two dies is actually where the last feather in Liberty’s cap points. On the Type I or Type of 1885 cent, the last feather points to the “I” in “America”. The Type II, or Type of 1887, points between the “C and A” in “America”. This variety difference was not discovered until 1954. The total mintage in this series is over 17,000,000 cents.

Although the mintage of this issue was high given the other years in the 1880’s, the 1886 proof issue is a tougher date. Both types from 1886 were used to make dies. The Type I is more common and easier to obtain today. Other than the major variety changes, there are really no other varieties of interest for this date. Some repunched dates are known, as with virtually all other dates in the series.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: 1886
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: 1.5 mm
• Grade: Ungraded