Numismatic

1877 Indian Head Cent Good

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The 1877 Indian Head Cent stands as one of the most famous and sought-after entries in American numismatic history. Minted in Philadelphia during a year of exceptionally low production, only 852,500 of these copper cents were struck. Finding one today in any condition, such as this example graded in Good condition, offers a direct connection to late nineteenth-century American coinage. Crafted from an alloy of 95 percent copper alongside 5 percent tin and zinc, the coin features a distinct obverse design by James B. Longacre. It depicts Liberty wearing a Native American feathered headdress, with the date 1877 positioned below the portrait. The reverse of the coin displays the denomination "ONE CENT" nestled inside a lush wreath. A small shield sits at the very top of the wreath, while a bundle of arrows secured by a bow decorates the bottom, completing a classic design that defined American minor coinage for decades.