Indian Head (1859-1909)

Historical Context

The Indian Head cent was struck from 1859 to 1909, when the Lincoln cent replaced it.

Condition

[Est. XF40] Circulated. The grade is our estimate from the images; the coin has not been professionally graded.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

James B. Longacre designed the Indian Head cent, struck from 1859 to 1909, in bronze from 1864. The 1907 run of about 108 million was the largest of the entire series, the first to pass one hundred million.

1907 was a turning point for American money. In October the Panic of 1907 swept Wall Street, and J.P. Morgan organized the private rescue; the crisis led to the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. The same year, at President Theodore Roosevelt's urging to give the nation "a coinage which would have some beauty," the Mint released Augustus Saint-Gaudens's famous $20 gold double eagle. Two years later Roosevelt's push brought the Lincoln cent, which replaced the Indian Head in 1909.

Buying Power

In 1907 this one cent had the buying power of about 36 cents today.

Condition

[Est. G-6] A strong Good with original medium-brown surfaces and no luster. The denticles around the rims are sharp and complete on both sides; feather tips and separations, the ear and the hair curl show; on the reverse the wreath leaves, ribbon bow, arrows and shield stripes are crisp. LIBERTY is not visible on the headband. Small scratches on the cheek and neck, a thin diagonal line across the reverse near CENT, small green specks on both rims and near the A of AMERICA, a pale blue-green spot below CENT, and a lighter orange-toned area at the right of the reverse (see the close-ups). Grade estimated; not professionally graded. Currently still legal tender, but value to collectors is far higher due to its age and importance to American history.

Also In Our Store

More coins: https://www.ebay.com/str/tfauctionsintl?_nkw=coin

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

James B. Longacre designed the Indian Head cent, struck from 1859 to 1909, in bronze from 1864. In 1906 the Mint struck about 96 million, one of the largest runs of the series, as coin-operated machines and penny arcades kept the demand for cents growing.

That April, the great San Francisco earthquake and fire leveled much of the city. The San Francisco Mint was one of the few buildings nearby to survive, still holding about a third of the nation's gold reserves, saved by Superintendent Frank A. Leach and his men. Three years later Leach, by then Director of the Mint, hired Victor David Brenner to design the Lincoln cent, which replaced the Indian Head in 1909.

Buying Power

In 1906 this one cent had the buying power of about 37 cents today.

Condition

[Est. G-6] Original and never cleaned or polished: untouched in a family collection for many decades, with even chocolate-brown surfaces and no luster. Full, bold rims all around; legends and date strong; feathers outlined; LIBERTY is not visible on the headband. Two light scratches across the headdress, a lighter spot on the cheek, small orange-red deposits on the upper and lower rim, and a few green specks on the reverse rim (see the close-ups). Grade estimated; not professionally graded.

Also In Our Store

More coins: https://www.ebay.com/str/tfauctionsintl?_nkw=coin

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.