1880–1909 Indian Head Cent 3-pc Decades Set F–VF

Three Decades of Indian Head Cents

Collectors of the long-running Lincoln Cent know the very first coin was issued in 1909. What is less known is that 1909 was also the final year of the classic Indian Head Cent, a long-lasting series that was struck by the United States Mint for 50 years, from 1859-1909.

The Famous Indian Head Cent Design

This design got its nickname thanks to the Native American headdress worn by Liberty on the obverse. Designed by James B. Longacre, the U.S. Mint’s 4th Chief Engraver, the coin also features Miss Liberty with a beaded necklace and a hair band emblazoned with a diamond. For many of us, it was the discovery of an Indian Head Cent that launched us into a life of coin collecting. What you’ll receive in this offer is not one, but THREE Indian Head Cents — one from of the last three decades of its issue: 1880-1889, 1890-1899 and 1900-1909 (dates our choice.) Plus, each coin was struck at the “Mother Mint” in Philadelphia out of pure copper!

Fact or Fiction: The Story Behind the Design of the Indian Head Cent

A popular story about the coin’s design claims that when a delegation of Indian chiefs visited Longacre at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, one was so taken by the red hair of Longacre’s 12-year-old daughter, Sarah, that he let her try on his headdress. Later, Longacre used the quick sketch he made of his daughter wearing the headdress as the model for the one-cent coin he was designing. Whether the story is true or not — and Longacre family oral history claims in no uncertain terms that it IS true — the Indian Head Cent has proven to be an immensely popular coin.

The classic Indian Head Cent hasn’t been struck for more than 110 years, and most have worn down to nothing in circulation, or they’ve been lost or destroyed. Secure your 1880–1909 Indian Head Cent Three-Piece Decades Set now in Fine to Very Fine (F-VF) condition! Plus, each set comes beautifully housed in a custom 3" x 5" storycard holder.