Numismatic

1879 Indian Head Cent VG

---

The 1879 Indian Head Cent represents a classic era of United States minor coinage. Struck in a durable alloy consisting of 95 percent copper alongside a 5 percent mixture of tin and zinc, this one-cent piece displays a distinctive warm tone characteristic of late nineteenth-century bronze coinage. This specific coin has been preserved in Very Good condition, showing honest wear from its time in circulation while retaining its core design elements. On the obverse, the coin features a depiction of Liberty adorned in an Native American feathered headdress, a creative choice by designer James B. Longacre. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arches around the portrait, with the clear date of 1879 anchored at the bottom. The reverse design is elegantly simple, showcasing the denomination ONE CENT nestled inside a protective wreath, symbolizing the nation's agricultural strength. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin carries no mint mark, which was the standard practice for the facility during this period.