Coin Weblog

Long before the Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909, the Indian Head Cent dominated America’s coin landscape. These are the coins that began circulating during the Civil War and traveled throughout the Wild West. They were there when General George Custer made his last stand at the Little Big Horn and when the Wright Brothers made history at Kitty Hawk. Today, Indian Head Cents are genuine pieces of history that you can hold in your hands — if you can find them! Even when they circulated they were struck in much smaller quantities than today’s coins. This year alone the U.S. government will produce FOUR TIMES as many Lincoln Cents than ALL Indian Head Cents produced in the 45 years from 1864-1909!
 
One of America’s Most Popular Coins 
America’s historic Indian Head Cent last circulated a century ago when William Howard Taft was President and women were still fighting for the right to vote. One of the most popular U.S. coins ever struck, Indian Heads are remarkable for their sensitive portrayal of a Native American. But according to legend, the “Indian” was actually the designer’s daughter in a war bonnet!
 
Few Indian Head Cents Remain
Although millions were made, only a miniscule amount remains. That’s because when these coins circulated in the late-1800s the old adage “A penny saved is a penny earned” really meant something. At a time when 10¢ an hour was a standard working wage, finding a penny was a big deal because in those days it still packed significant buying power. Today, some Indian Head Cents command hundreds of dollars. For example, an 1877 Indian Head Cent graded in Good condition retails for as much as $895!
 
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