The 1887 Indian Head Penny is one of the more sought-after coins in American numismatics. It has a unique design that makes it stand out from other U.S. coinage, and its scarcity adds to its appeal for collectors.
This article will explore the history and features of this classic penny, as well as provide information about how to identify an authentic 1887 Indian Head Penny.
The obverse side of the coin displays Lady Liberty wearing a feather headdress, with LIBERTY written above her head and surrounded by thirteen stars representing each of the original states. After 1886, the number of stars was reduced to seven.
On the reverse side there is an image of a Native American chief encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM at the top, along with ONE CENT at the bottom.
Design Features
The Indian Head Penny is a timeless classic, an iconic symbol of American numismatic history. One look at this coin and you can see why it has stood the test of time with its bold design qualities and beautiful details. It's no wonder that these coins have been in circulation for over 100 years!
At first glance, the obverse side of the penny features Lady Liberty wearing a feathered Native American headdress, facing leftward surrounded by thirteen stars representing each original colony. This distinctive design was created in 1859 by James B. Longacre as part of his larger 'Indian Princess' series which also included half cents and three-cent pieces and was considered to be one of the earliest examples of art on U.S coinage. In addition to Lady Liberty, there is also a small letter “V” located beneath her chin indicating where a designer's initials were placed initially making them desirable collectibles today.
But what really stands out about the Indian Head Penny are the intricate reverse designs featuring images such as an oak wreath encircling a shield inscribed with the word “ONE CENT,” wheat heads around the border of the piece, or even various renditions of flywheels used in industrial machines at that time like those made by Ephraim Brasher or John Reich who both had their own unique versions featured on pennies during certain periods in production.
All together, these details create an impressive aesthetic that showcases some of America's early industry while honoring its rich cultural heritage through symbolic imagery – something truly remarkable from any historical perspective.
Identification Tips
When identifying an Indian Head penny, there are several important factors to consider:
- The year, mint mark, condition, weight, diameter, obverse and reverse image, color, wear, luster, edges, die variety, die cracks, rim damage, and patina.
Examining these elements carefully is essential to accurately determine the authenticity and value of the coin.
It's also important to note any unusual elements, such as die cracks or wear patterns, which can indicate the coin's age and rarity.
With a little practice and patience, you'll be able to identify an Indian Head penny successfully.
Year
When you're looking to identify an Indian Head penny, the year it was minted is a key factor. You'll want to start by taking a look at the date on the front of the coin.
Most coins were issued from 1859 through 1909, so if you have one outside of that range, it's not likely to be an original issue.
Examining the font and style of lettering used in the date can help determine its authenticity as well; different eras had distinct designs for their dates.
Additionally, some years are especially rare due to low mintage numbers or errors during production, making them valuable finds for collectors.
Keep your eyes peeled when examining possible Indian Head pennies, as certain years may command higher prices than others!
Mint Mark
Once you've established the date of your potential Indian Head penny, it's time to look at the mint mark. In some cases, this can help determine if you have a rare coin or not.
The most common marks were 'P', 'D', and 'S'. These stand for Philadelphia (where most coins were produced), Denver, and San Francisco respectively. Coins without any mint mark are usually from Philadelphia as well. If there is another letter present, such as an 'O' or an 'CC,' then the coin could be quite valuable - so keep an eye out!
Some years had multiple varieties with different mint marks; in these cases, one variety may be more desirable than others due to its rarity. With that in mind, researching the specifics of each year's mintage numbers can also provide insight into which ones might hold greater value.
Historical Context
The Indian Head penny, an iconic coin of the United States minted from 1859 to 1909, is a beloved relic of American history.
It was designed by James Barton Longacre and features Lady Liberty wearing an elaborate feathered headdress on its obverse side. The reverse side bears a laurel wreath with the inscriptions ‘ONE CENT’ and ‘UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’ along its outer rim.
During the time it was produced, it had several variations in terms of mintage, which were mainly due to changes in metals used for its production as well as other alterations that made each issue distinctive.
Copper-nickel composition coins were issued between 1859 and 1886 while bronze compositions replaced them until 1908 when zinc-coated steel cents took over their production until 1909.
The Indian Head penny has long been treasured not only by numismatists but also by casual collectors alike who appreciate its beauty and historical significance. Its simple yet captivating design continues to capture the hearts of many generations even today, making it one of America's most timeless symbols of prosperity and liberty.
Collecting Value
As the sun rises, so does the beauty of an Indian Head penny. Its intricate design and rich history sparkle in the morning light, revealing its true worth to those who are passionate about collecting coins.
To a numismatist, it is more than just money – it’s a priceless piece of Americana that has stood the test of time.
First minted in 1859, these pieces have been around for generations. They were produced until 1909 when they were replaced by Lincoln wheat cents.
The obverse displays Liberty wearing a feathered headdress while the reverse shows the words “One Cent” surrounded by an olive wreath with arrows crossed behind it symbolizing peace and unity during times of war.
It was designed by US Mint Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre and is considered one of his most iconic works.
The value of each coin varies depending on condition, date of mintage, and other factors but even common examples can fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars at auction.
Collectors often search for specific varieties such as Overdate (where two different years appear) or Error coins where something went wrong during production resulting in an interesting anomaly like double-die strikes from die clash errors.
While some see them merely as currency, coin enthusiasts understand their significance to our nation's history which makes them highly sought after collectibles today.
Mint Marks
The Indian Head Penny is an iconic American coin with a long history. It was produced by the United States Mint from 1859 to 1909 and features a profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse. On its reverse, it depicts the words “One Cent” encircled by a wreath.
Mint marks are important for collectors of coins like the Indian Head Penny. They indicate where each individual penny was made and can help determine approximate values.
Here are three common mint marks found on these coins:
S- San Francisco MintO- New Orleans MintP- Philadelphia Mint
Studying mint marks can be enjoyable for numismatists as they learn more about their collection. For example, if you find a coin marked with an S, you know that it originated at the San Francisco Mint in California. This type of detail adds depth to your knowledge bank and makes collecting even more interesting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Way To Store An 1887 Indian Head Penny?
Storing a rare and cherished coin, like an 1887 Indian Head Penny is no small feat. To ensure its preservation for years to come, the best way to store this numismatic treasure is in an airtight container of archival-quality material.
Numismatists recommend that coins be kept away from extreme temperatures and humidity, as well as direct sunlight, so they should not be stored directly on shelves or tables unless covered with protective gear.
A sealed envelope can also help protect against dust and debris.
With proper storage techniques you'll keep your penny safe and stunning for generations to come!
How Rare Are 1887 Indian Head Pennies?
The 1887 Indian Head penny is a rare and valuable collectible coin. In particular, it's one of the most sought-after coins among numismatists, due to its relative rarity compared with other Indian Head pennies from other years.
Its scarcity makes it highly desirable for any serious collector, making it an excellent addition to any portfolio.
Are There Any Special Editions Of The 1887 Indian Head Penny?
The 1887 Indian Head Penny is an incredibly sought-after coin among numismatists.
In fact, there are two special editions of this classic penny that make it even more desirable.
The first edition was released in the same year and featured a die variety known as the BN (Brown) proof.
This rare version has a mintage of only 2,000 coins and commands high prices on the secondary market.
Another special edition was released in 2019 to commemorate the 132nd anniversary of its original release; this one features a unique reverse design with Washington crossing the Delaware River along with other historical images.
Collectors have been eagerly searching for these limited-edition variants ever since they arrived!
Is There A Way To Tell If An 1887 Indian Head Penny Is A Counterfeit?
As a numismatist, it is important to be able to tell the difference between genuine and counterfeit coins. The 1887 Indian Head Penny is no exception; there are ways to distinguish an authentic coin from a fake one.
An experienced collector should look for signs of wear, such as scratches or discoloration on the surface of the penny. Additionally, examining the mintmark and date can help determine if the coin is legit-the lettering should be crisp with no blurring or fading in appearance.
Finally, comparing other examples of this type of penny will provide further insight into its authenticity.
What Other Coins Were Minted In The Same Year As The 1887 Indian Head Penny?
The year 1887 was a momentous one in the history of numismatics; it marked the pinnacle of an era.
Coins from this time period are treasured by collectors for their beauty and heritage, with none more iconic than the Indian Head Penny.
But there were other coins minted during that same year, each telling its own unique story about America's past - such as the Liberty Nickel and Seated Liberty Dime.
These two coins alone represent a fascinating snapshot into our nation's history, making them just as sought-after as the iconic Indian Head Penny.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I can confidently say that the 1887 Indian Head Penny is an absolute treasure! It's one of those coins you just don't want to miss out on collecting.
Not only is it incredibly rare and valuable but its special editions are simply breathtaking - they were truly ahead of their time when minted more than 130 years ago.
So if you ever get your hands on one of these beauties, be sure to take extra care in storing it properly.
After all, with proper storage, this rarity could last for many generations to come!