Indian Head Cent – Circulated

Here is the very popular and very old Indian Head Cent so named for the Native American depicted on the obverse side of the coin. These coins came before the Lincoln Penny that started in 1890. Due to their age, these coins are holder to find and are found significantly worn due to their heavy circulation. These coins are dated 1864-1909 depending on the stock on hand.

Key features:

• Each coin comes in protective packaging
• Dates on coins may range from 1864 to 1909 in a variety of conditions and depend on stock on hand.
• Obverse depicts image of a Native American
• Reverse side has “ONE CENT’ and is framed by laurel leaves

The obverse side is the side that this coin is nicknamed from ‘Indian Head Cent’. It was designed by James B. Longacre. It has become one of the most beloved coins and no one is really sure why. Maybe it is the controversy that surrounds the coin that definitely sparked some debate. It was quickly pointed out that the figure on the coin was definitely Caucasian and looked like a woman. Rumors began that Longacre used his daughter as the model for this design. Longacre later remarked that he was inspired by a statue, Crouching Venus, that he had on loan from the Vatican. The other controversy was that now you had the image of a woman wearing a Native American headdress that was worn by Native American men. Despite this controversy, the design stayed, and perhaps some liked the juxtaposition as art but whatever the reason, it was and still is very popular. Framing the image is ‘UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’ and the date of issue is at the bottom.

On the reverse side is a decidedly non-controversial design in that it started out in 1858 with just ‘ONE CENT’ framed with laurel leaves. The next year, perhaps in an attempt to make it a little more interesting, the laurel leaves were replaced with oak leaves and a shield was added at the top. 

Get your hands on one of the most popular coins the United States mint ever created. Own a piece of history and buy yours today.