Numismatic

1868 Indian Head Cent VF

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The 1868 Indian Head Cent offers a fascinating window into the coinage of the late 1860s. Struck in Philadelphia, this piece features a metal composition of 95 percent copper, with the remaining 5 percent made of tin and zinc. The coin is preserved in a Very Fine state of preservation, allowing observers to appreciate the finer points of its classic nineteenth-century design. On the obverse, the coin displays a representation of Liberty adorned with a traditional feathered headdress. Surrounding this central figure is the bold inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", with the year "1868" positioned clearly at the bottom. This design, created by James B. Longacre, remains one of the most recognizable motifs in American numismatic history. The reverse of the coin is equally detailed, featuring the denomination "ONE CENT" nestled inside an ornamental wreath. At the top of the wreath sits a small shield, while the bottom is decorated with a bundle of arrows secured by a tied bow. This combination of symbolic elements creates a balanced and historically rich design that continues to captivate those who study early American copper coinage.