Indian Head Cents

The "Penny" that defined an Era: 1859—1909

The James B. Longacre Design

Despite the name, the figure on the coin is actually **Lady Liberty** wearing a Native American headdress. It replaced the Flying Eagle cent and became one of the most beloved designs in US history.

Years Produced	1859–1909
Composition	88% Copper, 12% Nickel (1859-1864) 95% Copper, 5% Tin/Zinc (1864-1909)
Weight	4.67g (CN) / 3.11g (Bronze)
Diameter	19.05 mm
Mints	Philadelphia, San Francisco (1908-09 only)

Key Dates & Rarities

If you are sorting through a jar, look for these high-value dates:

1877 - The "King" of the series. Low mintage.
1909-S - The rarest mintmark variety.
1908-S - The first year a minor coin was struck at a branch mint.
1864-L - Look for the "L" on the ribbon behind the neck.

Mintage Figures (Late Series Example)

Year	Mintage (Circulation)	Notes
1909-S	309,000	Extremely Rare
1909	14,368,470	Last Year
1908-S	1,115,000	Key Date
1908	32,326,362	Common
1907	108,137,143	Highest Mintage