The US 1887 Cent, designed by James B. Longacre, featured the Indian Head on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. Struck in 95% copper, it reflected America’s growing industrial economy, with copper playing a key role in both coinage and industry. In 1887, the U.S. economy was recovering from the Panic of 1873, which led to a shift toward more stable monetary policies. The 1887 Cent symbolized a return to prosperity with a design that resonated with national pride and expansion.
Politically, the US 1887 Cent was minted during President Grover Cleveland’s second term, a time of political and economic tension over tariff policies. The Indian Head design, while criticized by some for its representation of Native Americans, reflected America’s complex identity during this period of industrialization. As copper became a valuable metal, the 1887 Cent served as an essential everyday currency while marking a key moment in the U.S. coinage system.