Indian Cent

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At LCR Coin, we specialize in certified rare coins, modern collectibles, Pre-1933 gold, and precious metals backed by over 35 years of industry experience. Whether you are building a collection, investing in gold and silver, or searching for sought-after modern releases, we focus on offering quality products backed by respected grading services and professional customer support.

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Why buy from LCR Coin?

LCR Coin has been a trusted rare coin and precious metals dealer for over 30 years, offering certified rare coins, modern releases, and gold & silver bullion from the industry’s leading grading services.

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Estimated delivery dates are provided on the product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint or supplier release schedules. 

More About This Collection

Indian Head Cents (1859–1909)

The Indian Head Cent, designed by James B. Longacre, was introduced in 1859 as the successor to the short-lived Flying Eagle Cent. Produced for fifty years, the series spans the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the remarkable industrial expansion of the United States.

Featuring Liberty wearing a Native American feathered headdress, Indian Head Cents remain an important series in American numismatics. Collectors pursue these historic copper coins by date, mintmark, design variety, and condition, with the 1877, 1908-S, and 1909-S recognized as key dates.

History and Design of the Indian Head Cent

The Flying Eagle Cent, introduced for circulation in 1857, presented production challenges because its design was difficult to strike consistently. Chief Engraver James B. Longacre developed a replacement featuring Liberty facing left, wearing a feathered headdress inscribed LIBERTY.

The obverse displays UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounding Liberty, with the date positioned beneath her portrait.

The original 1859 Indian Head Cent featured a laurel wreath surrounding ONE CENT on the reverse. In 1860, the Mint introduced a new reverse featuring an oak wreath with a small shield above the denomination. This design remained in use through the end of the series in 1909.

Civil War and the 1864 Composition Change

The earliest Indian Head Cents were struck in a copper-nickel alloy containing 88% copper and 12% nickel. These thicker, lighter-colored coins are sometimes called copper-nickel or white cents.

During the Civil War, the hoarding of coins created shortages of small change. In 1864, the United States Mint changed the Indian Head Cent's composition to 95% copper with the remaining 5% consisting of tin and zinc, reducing its weight and production costs.

The thinner bronze composition continued through 1909.

Another important 1864 variety features a small L on the ribbon behind Liberty's neck, identifying designer James B. Longacre. The 1864-L Indian Head Cent is a popular variety among collectors.

Key Dates and Rare Indian Head Cents

Although many Indian Head Cents were produced in substantial quantities, several dates and varieties are especially important to collectors.

1877 Indian Head Cent: With a reported mintage of just 852,500 coins, the 1877 is one of the most recognized key dates in the series. Surviving examples are particularly desirable in higher grades.

1908-S Indian Head Cent: The first Indian Head Cent struck outside Philadelphia, with a mintage of 1,115,000 coins. The S mintmark appears beneath the wreath on the reverse.

1909-S Indian Head Cent: With a mintage of only 309,000 coins, the 1909-S has the lowest reported mintage of any regular-issue Indian Head Cent.

Collectors also recognize varieties such as the 1864-L, 1873 Doubled LIBERTY, 1886 Type 1 and Type 2, and 1888/7 overdate.

Collecting Certified Indian Head Cents

Indian Head Cents offer collectors several approaches, from assembling a complete date-and-mintmark set to specializing in scarce varieties, Proof issues, or exceptional Mint State examples.

Certified examples are commonly evaluated for strike quality, original surfaces, preservation, and remaining copper color, with Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD) designations used for applicable bronze coins.

Coins graded by PCGS, NGC, and CACG, along with CAC-approved examples, provide collectors with professionally evaluated examples of this historic American cent series.