Indian Head Cent

United States of America · 1899

A bronze cent featuring a profile of Liberty in a Native American headdress on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1899
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 95% Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc)

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Identified June 10, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A bronze cent featuring a profile of Liberty in a Native American headdress on the obverse and a wreath 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 Lady Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, symbolizing freedom. This 1899 issue comes from the later years of the series when production was high to meet the needs of a growing economy.

Obverse (front)

Liberty facing left wearing a feathered headdress with 'LIBERTY' on the band. Legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' with the date '1899' at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

The words 'ONE CENT' inside a wreath of oak leaves and acorns, with a small Union shield at the top of the wreath.

Estimated value

$1-$3 in Good condition, $5-$10 in Fine, $30-$60 in Extremely Fine, $100+ in Mint State.

What drives this coin's value

Condition is the primary factor for this common date. Environmental damage, such as the green pitting seen here, significantly reduces value to collectors.

Grade assessment

Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8). The coin shows heavy circulation wear; the word 'LIBERTY' is not visible on the headband, and there is significant environmental damage/corrosion (verdigris).

Mintage & rarity

53,598,000; Common date.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight (3.11g) and diameter. Common dates like 1899 are rarely counterfeited for circulation, but high-grade examples should be checked for surface artificial toning.

Notable varieties & errors

None particularly famous for 1899; collectors look for 'Red' (original luster) or 'Red-Brown' designations in higher grades.

Similar coins

Flying Eagle Cents (earlier series) or later Lincoln Cents. It is distinct due to the headdress design.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival-safe holder to prevent 'bronze disease' (green corrosion visible on this specimen).