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The 1881 Indian Cent has a high mintage of over 39 million making it very common. Circulated coins are extremely common and accessible. In order for uncirculated coins to be scarce and valuable there must be some, if not complete, red coloring. The finest gems can be very rare.
Obverse Description
A portrait bearing the likeness of a Native American in full headdress framed by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery. The date is centered at the bottom under the portrait.
Reverse Description
The reverse bears the denomination of ONE CENT in the center surrounded by a wreath bearing a ribbon with arrows tied in at the bottom center.
Catalog Information
GSID:
1358
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1881
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
ONE CENT
Weight (gr):
3.11 gr
Weight (oz):
0.11 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
19
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Coin Date:
1881
Denomination:
1c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
39,208,000
Coinage Type:
Indian Head Cent
Coinage Years:
1864-1909
Composition:
95% copper; 5% zinc & tin
PCGS #:
2141
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Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 1881 1c MS RD
Body: Referring page: http://www.greysheet.com/prices/item/1881-united-states-indian-cent-red-surfaces/gsid/1358 GSID: 1358 Title: 1881 1c MS RD
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Coin Value History
1881 1c MS RD
Value By Grade
1881 1c MS RD
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS67 |
|
$24,500 | $1,234 |
| MS67 | - | $20,500 | $1,234 |
| MS66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
Indian Head Cent 1c 1859, Reverse of 1858 MS [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c 1859, Reverse of 1858 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/Indian-Cent.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $8 – $27,500
1859 1c MS
Worth: $8 – $27,500
Indian Head Cent 1c Copper Nickel, 1860-1864 MS [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c Copper Nickel, 1860-1864 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/1863-obv.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $7 – $72,000
1860 1c Round Bust MS
Worth: $8 – $22,000
1860 1c Pointed Bust MS
Worth: $16 – $28,800
1861 1c MS
Worth: $20 – $72,000
1862 1c MS
Worth: $7 – $72,000
1863 1c MS
Worth: $7 – $18,750
1864 1c Copper Nickel MS
Worth: $16 – $20,000
Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS BN [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS BN [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/CatalogEntry/auctions_stacksbowers_com_lots_view_3_j4gae-0.20200712022457246.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $1 – $1,688
Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS RB [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS RB [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ProductImages/DLRC/981xxx/b7d2ef71-9a5a-4a36-8889-23a25d97c412.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $44 – $2,000
Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS RD [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS RD [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/1899RedIndian.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $110 – $120,000
1864 1c Bronze MS BN
Worth: $10 – $625
1864 1c Bronze MS RB
Worth: $160 – $11,500
1864 1c Bronze MS RD
Worth: $300 – $18,000
1881 1C MS64 Red PCGS. CDN: $450 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintage 39,211,575. ...
$561
1881 Indian Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS). CAC.
$1,560
1881 Indian Cent. MS-66+ RD (PCGS).
$5,280
1881 1C MS67 Red PCGS. CAC....
$20,400
1881 1C MS63 Red PCGS. PCGS Population (8/188). NGC Census: (2/88). Mintage: 39,211,576. Numismedia Wsl. Price for problem ...
$258
1881 1C MS64 Red PCGS. CAC. CAC Population: (12/25). Mintage 39,211,575. ...
$660
1881 1C MS65 Red PCGS....
$1,320
1881 1C MS66 Red PCGS....
$7,200
1881 1C MS67 Red PCGS. ...
$18,000
1881 1C MS64 Red PCGS. Mintage 39,211,575. ...
$432
1881 1C MS65 Red PCGS. CAC. EX: Eagle Eye Photo Seal. Eagle Eye Card included. PCGS Population: (93/39). NGC Census: (39/14...
$1,920
1881 1C MS66+ Red PCGS. CAC....
$9,000
1881 1C MS67 Red PCGS. CAC. ...
$20,400
1881 Indian Cent. MS-64 RD (PCGS).
$576
1881 Indian Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS).
$750
1881 1C MS66 Red PCGS. CAC....
$4,680
1881 1C MS67 Red PCGS. ...
$17,250
1881 1C MS64 Red PCGS. Eagle Eye Photo Seal, Card Included. PCGS Population: (100/145). NGC Census: (46/53). CDN: $425 Whsl...
$552
1881 1C MS65+ Red PCGS. CAC. PCGS Population: (93/39 and 7/7+). NGC Census: (39/14 and 0/1+). CDN: $660 Whsle. Bid for NGC/...
$1,980
1881 1C MS66+ Red PCGS. Despite the mintage of more than 39 million pieces, the 1881 cent is an elusive issue at the MS66 g...
$5,520
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Tuesday, September 1, 2026
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