The 1896 Indian Cent is a common issue in the Indian Cent Series that would make the ideal type coin. 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 rare.
| coinage-type | Indian Head, Shield Reverse (Bronze) |
| desg | MS |
| designer | James B. Longacre |
| diameter | 19 |
| edge | Plain |
| material | 95% copper; 5% zinc & tin |
| mintage | 39,055,431 |
| ngc-id | 228R |
| 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 | 2193 |
| pcgs-number | 2193 |
| 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 |