The 1870 is a scarce date that begins a decade full of key date Indian Cents. Tough issue to find in all grades. Only truly scarce in Mint State, with a big jump in scarcity in gem condition. Gem examples of this date are hard to locate and the ones that are red are that much more rare and desirable.
| coinage-type | Indian Head, Shield Reverse (Bronze) |
| desg | MS |
| designer | James B. Longacre |
| diameter | 19 |
| edge | Plain |
| material | 95% copper; 5% zinc & tin |
| mintage | 5,275,000 |
| ngc-id | 227U |
| 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. |
| pcgs-link | 2097 |
| pcgs-number | 2097 |
| 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. |
| weight-grams | 3.11 |
| year-display | 1864-1909 |