The 1871 cent is a semi-key issue in the Indian Head series, with the fourth lowest mintage after 1909-S, 1877 and 1908-S. Examples are very scarce in all grades.
The issue of redundancy in minor coins was finally addressed by Congress this year with passage of a redemption bill that permitted holders of excessive cents to redeem them when presented in large quantities. These returned cents were not recirculated, but instead were melted and the recovered metal reused. This helps to explain the rarity of certain earlier cents, and it also explains the very low production during 1871 and for much of that decade.
With its low mintage, there are few varieties for the 1871 cent. One that is highly sought is the Reverse of 1869 in which letter N of ONE is shallow.
Mintage:
| Philadelphia |
| 3,929,500 |