Obverse

Reverse

One Cent

Indian Head Cent

United States · 1879

A classic US bronze penny featuring a figure in Native American headdress on the obverse and a wreath with a shield on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1879
Denomination: One Cent
Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (Bronze)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified July 14, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A classic US bronze penny featuring a figure in Native American headdress on the obverse and a wreath with a shield on the reverse.

Historical significance

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Indian Head Cent was minted from 1859 to 1909. Despite the name, the figure is actually Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, symbolizing the post-Civil War American identity.

Obverse (front)

Lady Liberty in a Native American feathered headdress facing left. 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' surrounds the portrait, and the date '1879' is at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

'ONE CENT' inside an oak wreath with a small shield at the top center. A bundle of arrows is tied at the bottom of the wreath.

Estimated value

$3-$8 in Good condition, $15-$30 in Fine, $50-$120 in Extremely Fine/Uncirculated.

What drives this coin's value

Key factors include the readability of 'LIBERTY' on the headband, the crispness of the feather details, and the overall surface color and smoothness.

Grade assessment

Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8). Significant wear is visible on the high points of the headdress feathers and the word 'LIBERTY' on the headband is likely worn away.

Mintage & rarity

16,228,000 (Common for the series)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for the correct weight (3.11g) and diameter (19mm). Genuine coins will have sharp, non-mushy lettering. Look for signs of 'added' mint marks or altered dates.

Notable varieties & errors

No major popular varieties for 1879, though some collectors look for minor die cracks or 'repunched dates'.

Similar coins

Often confused with the 1859-1864 copper-nickel versions (which are thicker and paler) or the Flying Eagle cent.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes the patina and drastically reduces numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival-safe container in a dry environment.

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