Background

In 1886 two types of Indian Cents were produced for both Business Strike and Proof versions of the coin. The Type 1 design has a smaller space between the ‘6’ in the date and the ‘A’ in AMERICA. The Type 2 design has a larger space in that area.

The Type 2 design was introduced in the later part of 1886. There were many more Type 1 coins produced than Type 2, so the Type 2 coins have a higher value.

Type 1 vs Type 2

Here is an example of each Type. As you can see, the space between the ‘6’ and the ‘A’ is significantly different for the two types.

Two Ways to Tell the Difference

The first way is to look to where the bottom feather of the headdress is pointing. For Type 1 coins, it is pointing between the “I” and the “C” in “AMERICA”, and for Type 2 coins, it is pointing between the “C” and the “A”.

The second way to tell the difference is to look at the space between the ‘6’ and the ‘A’ in relation to the lower lock of the Indian’s hair.

For Type 1 coins the lock of hair is close to the ‘A’, and for Type 2 coins the lock of hair is between the ‘6’ and the ‘A’

Current Retail Value for Business Strike Coins November 2020

Here are some retail values for Type 1 and Type 2 coins.

As you can see, it pays to know the difference, and the higher the grade the more difference it makes.

Review

In review, there are two types of 1886 Indian Cents, both in Business Strikes and Proofs. The space between the ‘6’ and the ‘A’ was increased for Type 2 coins. Type 2 coins are harder to find and are worth more than Type 1 coins.