Coin Identifier
Indian Head Cent
1 Cent

Indian Head Cent

United States · 1901

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.

Country
United States
Year
1901
Denomination
1 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.

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Overview

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 & preservation

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.