Replacing the Flying Eagle in 1859, the Indian Head Penny features a portrait of Liberty in a Native American headdress. This series spans the Civil War and the turn of the century, featuring “white cents” (copper-nickel) and the more common bronze issues. Key focuses here include the 1877 rarity and the first-ever “S” mint pennies from 1908–1909.
The Indian Head Penny is perhaps the most beloved “obsolete” coin in the US. Despite the name, the portrait is actually Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress. This series saw the transition from the thick “white cent” (1859–1864) to the thinner bronze composition (1864–1909) that we recognize today.
Collector’s Note: The king of this series is the 1877 Indian Head, followed by the 1909-S. Variety hunters should look for the 1864-L (where the ‘L’ for Longacre is hidden in the ribbon) and the 1888/7 overdate. High-grade “Red” (RD) examples from the 1880s and 90s are highly prized for their vibrant copper luster.
The Indian Head Cent is more than just a piece of obsolete currency; it is an icon of American heritage. Introduced in 1859 to replace the short-lived Flying Eagle design, it remained the nation’s primary small-denomination coin for fifty years. While the design is famously known as the “Indian” penny, it actually depicts Lady Liberty…