Production of both cents and five-cent pieces declined sharply in 1885-86. There was no economic recession at the time, so an explanation must be found elsewhere. The ongoing problem with the quality of planchets received from the Mint's vendors may have caused a suspension in orders. It may be, also, that there were simply enough cents from previous years to meet current demand.
Despite a much lower than usual mintage, 1885 cents are not rare. The supply of coins in the better circulated grades and in Mint State is reduced in comparison to other dates of the period, and prices are higher due to both real and perceived scarcity.
Mintage:
| Philadelphia |
| 11,761,594 |