1859 Laurel Wreath
The one-year reverse has a laurel wreath and no federal shield. The thick, pale copper-nickel planchet gives it a distinctive appearance.
United States Cents • 1859–1909 • Buying & Selling
Indian Head Cents
Indian Head cents connect the Civil War era with the beginning of the Lincoln-cent series. Learn how the design changed, which dates deserve special attention, and how to sort, evaluate, buy, or sell these classic American coins.
1859–1909Years issued
James B. LongacreDesigner
Philadelphia & San FranciscoIssuing mints
Copper-Nickel & BronzeTwo main compositions
Collector Guide
What is an Indian Head penny?
The Indian Head cent was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre and introduced in 1859. Despite its familiar nickname, the obverse depicts Liberty wearing a feathered headdress rather than a specific Native American person.
The first-year reverse used a laurel wreath. In 1860, the Mint introduced an oak wreath with a small federal shield. The series also changed from a thicker copper-nickel planchet to a lighter bronze planchet during 1864.
Most Indian Head cents were struck at Philadelphia and have no mintmark. The only regular branch-mint issues are the 1908-S and 1909-S, with the S mintmark on the reverse.
Three Collectible Types
How the series changed
These major design and composition changes make Indian Head cents especially approachable for a U.S. type collector.
1860–1864 Copper-Nickel
The oak wreath and shield debuted in 1860, while the heavier copper-nickel composition continued into 1864.
1864–1909 Bronze
The thinner bronze cent became the long-running standard. Some 1864 bronze cents show Longacre’s small L on the ribbon.
Coins to Check Carefully
Key Dates, Better Dates & Varieties
This is a practical first-pass list. Grade, color, surfaces, and variety can make other dates valuable, and scarce coins should be authenticated.
1877 and 1909-S
The 1877 is the classic Philadelphia key; the 1909-S is the lowest-mintage regular issue. Both are heavily counterfeited or altered.
Set these aside
- 1864-L
- 1869, 1870, 1871 and 1872
- 1908-S
- Sharp early copper-nickel cents
Use proper diagnostics
- 1864-L on ribbon
- 1869/9 repunched date
- 1873 doubled LIBERTY
- 1888/7 overdate
1866–1878
Many Reconstruction-era dates are scarcer than later issues. Even when not major keys, problem-free examples deserve careful evaluation.
1908-S and 1909-S
Check the reverse for the S. Added mintmarks exist, so compare the mintmark and surrounding surfaces with trusted references.
Original Red Examples
High-grade bronze cents with original red color, strong luster, sharp detail, and clean surfaces can command substantial premiums.
A Practical Process
How to sort Indian Head cents
A systematic first pass protects better coins from disappearing into a bulk group.
Separate by era
Pull 1859, copper-nickel cents, bronze cents, all 1870s dates, and the two San Francisco issues into separate groups.
Read every date
Use good lighting and magnification. Weak or damaged final digits can cause dates to be misidentified.
Pull quality coins
Set aside strong LIBERTY detail, original color, attractive surfaces, and coins without corrosion, cleaning, bends, or rim damage.
Check varieties last
Confirm the date and type first, then compare suspected varieties against established diagnostics and high-quality references.
Do not clean Indian Head cents. Their copper and copper-nickel surfaces are easily altered. Polishing, rubbing, soaking, or applying chemicals can permanently reduce collector value.
Understanding Value
What makes an Indian Head cent valuable?
The date is only the beginning. These factors determine whether a cent is a common circulated example, an attractive album coin, or a serious rarity.
Date & Mint
Scarcity and demand vary sharply. The 1877, 1909-S, other Reconstruction-era dates, and 1908-S require special attention.
Grade
LIBERTY on the headband is an important wear point, along with the feather tips, hair detail, wreath, shield, and bow.
Original Surfaces
Collectors reward natural color and problem-free surfaces. Cleaning, corrosion, porosity, scratches, and environmental damage reduce value.
Color
Bronze cents may be Brown, Red-Brown, or Red. Original red color is scarce, but questionable or altered color is a liability.
Variety
A genuine 1864-L, 1873 doubled LIBERTY, 1888/7, or other recognized variety may bring a significant premium.
Authentication
Added mintmarks, altered dates, false color, and counterfeits exist. Certification can be important for keys and valuable varieties.
NumisMaverick
Buying & Selling Indian Head Cents
NumisMaverick buys and sells Indian Head cents ranging from affordable circulated coins and partial sets to better dates, key dates, varieties, high-grade pieces, and certified examples.
You do not need to clean, grade, or attribute every cent before contacting us. Keep the coins organized, leave the surfaces untouched, and include clear photographs when possible.
Individual better dates
Key dates and varieties
Albums and partial sets
Rolls and groups
Certified Indian cents
Dealer quantities
Common Questions
Indian Head Cent FAQ
Is the portrait a Native American?
The design represents Liberty wearing a feathered headdress. It is not a portrait of a specific Native American person.
Which dates have mintmarks?
Only the 1908-S and 1909-S regular issues. Their S mintmark appears on the reverse, below the wreath.
How can I identify an 1864-L?
On the attributed bronze variety, a small L appears on the ribbon behind Liberty’s neck. Authentication requires checking the full set of diagnostics.
Should I clean dark or dirty cents?
No. Original patina is normally preferable to a cleaned surface. Cleaning may expose unnatural color, hairlines, or damage.
Why is LIBERTY important?
Wear on the headband helps determine grade. The number and clarity of visible letters matter, though the entire coin must be evaluated.
Does NumisMaverick buy bulk groups?
Yes. We consider albums, rolls, groups, accumulations, key dates, certified coins, and dealer quantities.
Buying • Selling • Appraisals
Talk with NumisMaverick
Looking for an Indian Head cent, selling a group, or trying to understand a collection? Contact NumisMaverick. Appointments are scheduled in advance.
Please contact NumisMaverick before visiting.Text is the easiest way to request an appointment.