1859 Indian Head Penny

1859 Indian Head Penny Rating: 3,6/5 3050 votes

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1859 Indian Head Penny No Shield

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The Indian Head Cent was struck in two metal compositions. From 1859 to mid 1864, the cent was struck in a metal composition consisting of 88% copper and 12% nickel, weighing 4.67 grams, or 72 grains. This metal proved to be too hard to strike, and in 1864 the composition was changed to a bronze. 1859 to 1909 Indian head pennies for sale. Pittsburgh area coin dealer specializing in U.S. Coins and supplies. We carry large cents, pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half and silver dollars, mint and proof sets, gold and much more. The 1859 is the first year of issue for the very important Indian Head cent series. Because a shield was added to the reverse in1860, the 1859 is also a one-year-only type coin. I have always felt this issue doesn't get the respect it deserves. Gems are definitely rare.

The Flying Eagle Cent and Indian Head Cent were minted between 1856 and 1909. We have a great selection of Indian Head and Flying Eagle Cents all graded using strict Photograde standards. Grades available from almost good in condition to almost uncirculated. Add some of these exciting, and rare U.S. Coins to your collection today. These coins offer great value to todays' collector making for a collection that can be easily, and affordably added to, and handed down for generations to come.

Indian Head Penny Specials

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How to Grade Flying Eagle/Indian Head Cents

G4 Good
- Eagle: All details worn, but readable. Indian: No letters in LIBERTY readable, full to near full rims.
VG7 Very Good
- Eagle: Feather details and eye are evident, but worn. Indian: At lease three letters readable in LIBERTY.
F12 Fine
- Eagle: Eagle head details and feather tips sharp. Indian: LIBERTY completely readable, but weak in spots.
VF20 Very Fine
- Eagle: Feathers in right wing and tail show considerable detail. Indian: Slight, but even wear on LIBERTY.
EF40 Extremely Fine
- Eagle: Slight wear, all details sharp. Indian: Details and LIBERTY sharp. Slight wear on ribbon end.
AU50 Almost Uncirculated
- Eagle: Slight wear on eagle's left wing and breast. Indian: Slight wear above ear and lowest curl of hair.

Indian Head pennies, also known as the Indian Head Cent, were produced by the United States Mint and designed by Philadelphia Mint engraver James Barton Longacre from 1844 to 1869. Indian Head coins are highly sought after due to their rarity, and collectors will often buy Indian Head pennies at many times their face value.

Collectors in search of Indian Head Cents for sale will find that our selection is graded using strict Photograde standards, and spans across all production years.

These coins feature the head of Liberty with a feather head dress of a Native American on the obverse side along with text reading “United States of America.” There will be one of two designs on the reverse side, depending on the year; a coin from 1859 reads 'ONE CENT' inside a wreath of laurel, and the other, from 1860 until the end of production, has a similar design except that the text is inside a wreath of oak and olive. The reverse side also features a ribbon tied at the base of the wreath with a Federal shield above. Make the rare Indian Head Penny part of your collection while you can!

Both compositions have a diameter of 19 millimeters, and all have a plain edge. The final two years were also produced at the San Francisco Mint, and the “S” mintmark is found on the reverse, under the wreath.

Copper Indian Head Cent

Dates: 1859-1864
Mint Mark: none
Composition: 88% copper, 12% nickel
Weight: 4.67 grams
Diameter: 19 mm
Edge: plain
Designer: James B. Longacre