Numismatic

1882 Indian Head Cent BU (Brown)

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The 1882 Indian Head Cent offers a fascinating glimpse into late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this specimen survives in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, retaining the distinct brown tones characteristic of well-preserved copper from this era. The coin is composed of an alloy containing 95 percent copper, with the remaining 5 percent made of tin and zinc. On the obverse, the design presents a depiction of Liberty adorned in a traditional Native American feather headdress. The year 1882 is clearly struck at the bottom of the profile. This imagery is paired with a detailed reverse featuring the words 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 ribbon bow rests at the bottom, completing a classic piece of American numismatic artistry.