Indian Head Cent

Country of Origin: United States

Year of Issue: 1901

Denomination: 1 Cent

Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (bronze)

Indian Head Cent

Brief Description

The obverse features a depiction of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American-style headdress, with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' encircling the image and the year '1901' below. The overall condition appears circulated with some wear and environmental toning.

Historical Significance

The Indian Head Cent was minted from 1859 to 1909 and is a classic American coin. The design by James B. Longacre was initially controversial as the 'Indian Princess' was a Caucasian woman wearing a headdress. The coin was a staple of American commerce for decades and is part of a significant period in U.S. coinage history, bridging the pre-Civil War era with the early 20th century.

Estimated Value

For a 1901 Indian Head Cent in 'Good' (G-4) to 'Fine' (F-12) condition, the estimated value typically ranges from "$1.50" to "$10.00". However, given the visible wear and environmental toning on this specific coin, it would likely fall on the lower end of that range, possibly between "$1" and "$3". Exact value depends on professional grading.

Care Instructions

To preserve its current condition, handle the coin by its edges only, preferably with cotton gloves. Store it in a cool, dry place within an inert, archival-safe holder (such as Mylar flips or non-PVC album pages). Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can severely damage its surface and significantly reduce its numismatic value.

Created At: 2025-11-18T01:29:24.504794