Learn More About U.S. Indian Head Cents

The Indian Head penny has long been a popular coin among coin collectors due to the historical significance of its era. The 1864-L, 1877, 1908-S, and 1909-S represent some of the most sought-after years by collectors. The Indian Head was the replacement penny for the Flying Eagle, which was only struck from 1856-1858 due to design flaws. Like the Flying Eagle, the Indian Head was designed by James Longacre, a chief engraver of the U.S. Mint. The Indian Head penny features an Indian head that faces to the left wearing a feather bonnet. The coin’s reverse side shows “ONE CENT” with a laurel wreath. The wreath was changed slightly in 1860 to include three arrows and a shield of the United States. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, over 1.8 billion Indian Cent pieces were minted. The composition of these coins evolved from 88% copper 12% nickel (1859-1864) to 95% copper 5% tin and zinc (1864-1909).