Obverse

Reverse

1 Cent

Indian Head Cent

United States · 1906

A copper small cent featuring Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse and an oak wreath with a shield on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1906
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Grade: Good to Very Good (G-4 to VG-8)

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 September 13, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A copper small cent featuring Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse and an oak wreath with a shield on the reverse.

Historical significance

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Indian Head Cent was minted from 1859 to 1909 and circulated heavily during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bridging the gap between the American Civil War era and the modern Lincoln cent.

Obverse (front)

Head of Liberty facing left, wearing a Native American headdress inscribed with LIBERTY, surrounded by 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the date '1906'.

Reverse (back)

The denomination 'ONE CENT' inside an oak wreath, tied with a ribbon at the base, topped with a Union shield.

Estimated value

$1-$3 in Good to Very Good condition; $15-$30 in Mint State condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of original mint red or brown color, and freedom from environmental damage or scratches.

Grade assessment

Good to Very Good (G-4 to VG-8)

Mintage & rarity

96,020,530 minted; common date

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits are uncommon for common date Indian Head cents like 1906, but check weight, dimensions, and magnetic properties (copper is non-magnetic).

Notable varieties & errors

Double die obverse varieties exist for certain years, though 1906 is primarily known for standard business strikes.

Similar coins

Flying Eagle cent (earlier design) and Lincoln cent (succeeding design).

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment inside archival-safe, PVC-free flips or holders. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning destroys its original surfaces and significantly reduces its numismatic value.

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