The 1867 Indian Head Penny is an iconic piece of American numismatic history. This coin was minted in the United States from 1859 to 1909, and it's one of the most highly sought after coins by collectors today.
It features a portrait of Liberty wearing a feather headdress with the word 'Liberty' inscribed above her head. The reverse side displays a wreath surrounding the words 'One Cent.'
With its unique design and long production run, this penny has been at the forefront of numismatics for over 150 years.
History Of The 1867 Indian Head Penny
The 1867 Indian Head Penny was an incredible discovery in the field of numismatics. It arrived seemingly out of nowhere to take its place amongst many other coins, and yet it seemed to stand out from them all.
Its image depicted a powerful Native American chief wearing a feathered headdress that symbolized his authority over the tribe he represented - quite fittingly, since this penny would become one of the most popular among collectors throughout history.
It is difficult to say why this particular coin struck such a chord with so many people across the years, but perhaps its beauty lies in the story behind it. Designed by James Barton Longacre during the Civil War era, it first appeared when America was struggling for unity and strength against divisive forces both within and without.
The timing could not have been more perfect as an iconic figure like this native chief became a reminder of our common heritage, inspiring us to remain strong despite any challenges we may face along the way.
Though times have changed considerably since then, something about the 1867 Indian Head Penny still resonates today – reminding us of what can be achieved through courage and perseverance even in uncertain times.
Its legacy will surely continue far into future generations as a lasting symbol of resilience and hope.
Minting And Specifications
The 1867 Indian Head Penny, first released in the same year, is an iconic coin for numismatists and collectors alike. Its intricate design featuring a stylized Native American on one side, has been admired since its minting over 150 years ago.
Now let's turn our attention to the actual production of this penny - how it was made and what were the specifications that went into making it?
The 1867 Indian Head Penny was minted by the United States Mint at Philadelphia and contains 95% copper with small amounts of other metals added, such as zinc or tin. The size of the penny measures 19 mm in diameter and weighs 3.11 grams; compared to today’s pennies which measure 20.5 mm in diameter and weigh 2.5 grams.
On one side is Lady Liberty wearing a feathered headdress while facing left; paired with the words ‘Liberty’ above her hairline and ‘1867’ beneath it. On the opposite side features a shield encircled by thirteen stars representing each original state along with two crossed olive branches underneath – all surrounded by ‘United States Of America’ written around it in a full circle.
These coins have endured for more than a century-and-a-half due to their remarkable craftsmanship from start to finish; from designing to executing through mintage processes like striking onto metal blanks using weighty presses operated manually or by steam power.
This ruggedness combined with its unique design makes them highly sought after pieces among both novice and experienced coin collectors alike. It is no wonder why these 1867 Indian Head Pennies are considered some of the most popular coins produced during this era!
Popularity With Collectors
The Indian Head Penny enjoys great popularity among collectors. It is widely sought after due to its history and its beauty as a coin.
This penny was first issued in 1859 by the United States Mint and continued until 1909, when it was replaced with the Lincoln Wheat Cent design. During this period of production, there were several varieties made that are now highly collected. These include coins from Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carson City mints. Additionally, some years saw higher mintage numbers than others, making certain dates more rare and valuable than others.
Collectors also appreciate the unique designs on these pennies. The obverse features an image of Liberty wearing an Native American headdress while facing leftward toward the holder of the coin. Above her portrait appears the words 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along with the year of issue below her neckline; meanwhile at the bottom edge reads 'ONE CENT'.
On the reverse is a wreath encircling two arrows framing an oak sprig which holds three leaves above another banner reading 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', all surrounded by thirteen stars representing each state in the Union at that time. This combination makes for a beautiful collectible item worthy any numismatist's attention.
Indian Head Pennies offer great value to both beginning and experienced collectors alike; their interesting history combined with appealing visual aesthetics make them popular items within many collections today.
Prices And Grade
Indian Head Pennies are highly sought after by numismatists and collectors alike. Their prices depend on their condition, or grade. The highest grade is MS-65, which indicates a coin with no noticeable imperfections or blemishes. These coins may command high premiums due to their condition and rarity, often selling for thousands of dollars apiece.
Lower grades such as AG-3 (Almost Good) show more wear and tear than an MS-65 Indian Head Penny, but they still hold value according to their age and overall eye appeal. Coins in these conditions can sometimes sell between five hundred and one thousand dollars depending on the year of mintage and its associated scarcity.
As far as common date coins go, those graded G-4 (Good) typically fetch only twenty-five to fifty cents each despite being over 100 years old. Lower yet are F-12 (Fair) examples that usually cost about ten cents each due to surface corrosion caused by oxidation from exposure to air over many decades.
No matter what grade it is though, owning an Indian Head Penny makes for a great addition any collection!
Care And Preservation
The Indian Head Penny has been a beloved classic for numismatists for over a century. The iconic design of Lady Liberty adorned with an elaborate feathered headdress continues to fascinate and delight collectors from around the world. It is no wonder that these coins must be cared for properly in order to preserve their value and beauty.
Caring for your coin collection should start with protecting it from dirt, dust, and moisture. Coins can easily tarnish if not stored in proper conditions, so always store them securely in padded albums or other archival-quality containers. For additional protection, you may want to purchase special plastic sleeves made specifically for coins. These will help prevent abrasions caused by handling or sliding against one another while they are being stored.
When cleaning your coins, use only soft cloths such as microfiber or cotton flannel when wiping off any dirt or fingerprints. Never use harsh chemicals or polishes on your Indian Head Pennies; these could harm the surface finish and reduce its value significantly. Gentle soap and warm water should do the trick – just make sure all residue is removed before allowing your coins to dry completely before returning them to storage.
With this simple routine maintenance, you can keep your treasured heirlooms looking beautiful and valuable for generations to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does An 1867 Indian Head Penny Weigh?
A numismatist would be able to answer the question of how much an 1867 Indian Head penny weighs.
These coins typically weigh around 3.11 grams, with a range from 2.5-4.1 grams for worn specimens and up to 4.7 grams in uncirculated condition.
The varying weights can be attributed to the different materials used during production, as well as wear on individual pieces over time.
What Is The Diameter Of An 1867 Indian Head Penny?
Coincidentally, the diameter of a coin can tell numismatists an interesting story.
An 1867 Indian Head penny has a diameter of 19mm, making it slightly larger than its counterparts minted during other years.
This is because in 1866, when production began on the series, Congress mandated that all coins had to have uniform diameters and weights which was followed until 1909.
As such, many collectors seek out this unique piece!
What Is The Best Way To Store An 1867 Indian Head Penny?
Numismatists recommend storing coins with care and in the best possible way to protect them from damage.
When it comes to an 1867 Indian Head penny, the best way to store it is by placing it in a soft cloth or plastic holder and then putting it into an airtight container.
This will help keep out environmental elements that may cause discoloration or other forms of damage.
Additionally, keeping your coin away from heat sources and direct sunlight can also be beneficial for its preservation.
Is The 1867 Indian Head Penny Made Of Gold Or Silver?
The 1867 Indian Head penny is a highly sought after piece of currency and an important part of American numismatic history. It was minted in the United States and made with bronze, not gold or silver.
But it still has a lot of value due to its rarity and historical significance.
Is It Worth More To Have An Uncirculated 1867 Indian Head Penny?
As a numismatist, I can tell you that an uncirculated coin is typically worth more than one which has been circulated, regardless of the type.
In terms of an 1867 Indian Head penny specifically, its value depends on other factors such as condition and rarity, however having it in an uncirculated state will always increase its worth compared to a circulated version.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I can tell you that the 1867 Indian Head Penny is a true treasure. Weighing in at 3.11 grams and with a diameter of 19 millimeters, it's definitely worth taking care to store this penny correctly.
Though made of copper-nickel alloy, not gold or silver, an uncirculated example is still highly sought after by collectors - like winning the lottery! With technology far more advanced than in 1867, there are now many modern methods available to protect your prized coin from damage and preserve its value for years to come.
So if you get your hands on one of these beauties – make sure to treat her right!