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The 1886 Indian Head Cent Type II in Very Fine condition represents a fascinating piece of late 19th-century American numismatics, notable for its transitional status and its role in the evolution of one of the most iconic small cent designs in U.S. history. This particular year features two distinct obverse varieties—Type I and Type II—making it especially significant for collectors of the Indian Head series. The Type II variety, characterized by a modified portrait of Liberty and alterations to the feather placement in the headdress, marks the beginning of a new era in the Indian Head design that would persist until the end of the series in 1909. The 1886 Type II cent offers both historical intrigue and artistic refinement, particularly when preserved in Very Fine condition, where key design features remain sharply defined and the coin retains strong aesthetic appeal.
The Indian Head Cent series was introduced in 1859, designed by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Longacre’s design replaced the earlier Flying Eagle cent and featured a personification of Liberty wearing a Native American feathered headdress—an image often mistakenly assumed to represent an actual Native American figure. In reality, the design was intended as a fusion of classical Liberty imagery with elements of indigenous symbolism. The obverse features the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” circling around Liberty’s portrait, with the date placed below. The Indian Head cent quickly became one of the most popular and enduring designs in U.S. coinage, with over fifty years of continuous production and extensive circulation.
The year 1886 is pivotal for Indian Head cent collectors due to the existence of two distinct obverse styles. The earlier Type I variety continues the design used since 1883, where the lowest feather in Liberty’s headdress points between the letters “I” and “C” in “AMERICA.” The revised Type II design moves that feather so it points between the “C” and “A” instead. Additionally, the portrait of Liberty in the Type II variety was subtly modified to display a sharper, more upright profile and a more detailed facial structure. These refinements were part of a broader effort by the Mint to improve die longevity and enhance visual clarity, and they mark an important turning point in the coin’s design evolution. The Type II ultimately became the standard for all remaining years of the series.
The 1886 Indian Head Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as no branch mints were producing cents during this period. The total mintage for the year reached 17,654,290 coins, though the breakdown between Type I and Type II varieties remains uncertain due to a lack of separate production records. It is generally believed that the Type I variety was struck early in the year and is the scarcer of the two, while the Type II—produced later in the year—appears more frequently in the surviving population. Nonetheless, both varieties are necessary for a complete date-and-type set, and each is treated as a distinct entry in major numismatic references and collections.
On the reverse, the 1886 Indian Head Cent Type II maintains the familiar oak wreath and shield motif that had been in use since 1860. The design features a laurel wreath bound with a ribbon at the base, encircling the denomination “ONE CENT.” A small Union shield appears at the top center, symbolizing federal unity in the post-Civil War period. This reverse design remained unchanged throughout the remainder of the series. On a coin in Very Fine condition, the reverse retains much of its fine detailing, including clear outlines on the oak leaves, visible veins, and a well-defined shield, though with moderate wear softening the highest relief points such as the ribbon and the shield’s crossbars.
In terms of physical composition, the 1886 cent was struck in a bronze alloy consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, a composition that had been in place since 1864 and would remain until the early 20th century. The diameter is 19 millimeters, and the coin weighs approximately 3.11 grams. This composition lends itself well to preservation, especially in coins that were not subjected to harsh environmental conditions. Very Fine examples often show even, chocolate-brown toning with medium wear on the high points but good remaining surface detail. The fields remain smooth and the coin retains strong visual appeal, making it a preferred grade for collectors seeking quality at an accessible price point.
In Very Fine condition, the 1886 Type II cent displays moderate but even wear across both the obverse and reverse. Liberty’s hair curls and the lower ribbon remain partially visible, and many of the feather tips in the headdress show distinct separation. The lettering around the rim is sharp, and the date is fully legible without distortion. On the reverse, the oak leaves are well-defined, though the highest parts of the bow and shield may exhibit flattening. The overall strike remains strong, and there is no loss of metal or major abrasions. These attributes make Very Fine examples attractive for collectors who prioritize detail and eye appeal without venturing into the significantly higher price tiers of Extremely Fine or Mint State examples.
Demand for the 1886 Indian Head Cent Type II remains strong due to its role in a transitional year and its place in a series that is widely collected across all levels of numismatic experience. As one of only two collectible varieties from the year, the Type II cent is often acquired alongside the scarcer Type I to complete a matched pair. This variety also represents the standard obverse design that would continue uninterrupted through 1909, making it historically significant as the inaugural issue of the final phase of the Indian Head series. Collectors interested in assembling complete type sets or decade-based collections will find the 1886 Type II an essential inclusion.
The 1886 Indian Head Cent Type II in Very Fine condition embodies the balance between affordability and historical significance. It showcases the elegant artistry of Longacre’s design, the subtle refinements made during a critical transition year, and the enduring appeal of 19th-century copper coinage. Its pleasing surface detail, warm patina, and structural integrity make it ideal for both casual and advanced collectors alike. As a representative of the broader cultural and economic context of late 19th-century America, this coin offers more than numismatic value—it provides a tangible link to a nation experiencing industrial growth, political transformation, and artistic expression through its coinage. The Very Fine grade captures that legacy in a form that is both enduring and accessible.