The Indian Head cent, also sometimes referred to as the Indian Head penny, was a one-cent piece minted by the United States Bureau of Mint from 1859 to 1909. It was a prominent part of American coinage for over half a century and remains a popular collector's item today.

Design:

• Obverse (front): Featured a profile portrait of a Native American wearing a feathered headdress. This was not actually meant to depict a specific tribe, but rather a symbolic representation of Liberty.
• Reverse (back): Displayed a wreath encircling the denomination (ONE CENT) and the year of minting.

Historical Context (1859-1909):

• Replaced the large-sized copper cent, which was becoming expensive to produce due to rising copper prices.
• The Indian Head cent was the first small-sized one-cent coin minted by the U.S. Mint, paving the way for the size and design of the modern penny.
• The design choice was controversial at the time, with some criticizing the inaccuracy of the Native American portrayal.

Composition:

• Early issues (1859-1864) were composed of an unusual blend of 88% copper and 12% nickel, giving them a lighter color compared to later pennies.
• Later mintages (1864-1909) used the standard 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc alloy.

Value:

The value of an Indian Head cent depends on several factors:

• Condition: A well-preserved coin (higher grade) will be worth more than a worn one.
• Year of Issue: Certain years, particularly earlier ones with lower mintage numbers, can be more valuable.
• Rarity: Certain varieties within specific years (e.g., die errors) can be especially valuable.

Here's a general range for Indian Head cents:

• Common circulated pieces: $2 to $10 (depending on year and condition)
• Uncirculated specimens: These can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially for the earlier years (1859-1864) or rare varieties.

Popularity Among Collectors:

The Indian Head cent's unique design, long mintage history, and historical significance make it a popular collectible for numismatic enthusiasts.