Numismatic

1882 Indian Head Cent XF

---

The 1882 Indian Head Cent offers a fascinating glimpse into late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck in Philadelphia, this one-cent piece is composed of a durable alloy containing 95 percent copper, with the remaining 5 percent made of tin and zinc. It represents a classic era of United States base-metal coinage, showcasing a design that circulated widely during a period of rapid national growth. On the obverse, the coin features a stylized depiction of Liberty wearing an ornate Native American feather headdress. The word LIBERTY is inscribed across the band of the headdress, surrounded by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the date 1882 at the bottom. This imagery remains one of the most recognizable and enduring symbols in the history of American numismatics. The reverse of the coin is equally detailed, centering on the denomination ONE CENT. This text is framed by a lush wreath, with a small shield positioned at the very top. At the base of the wreath, a bundle of arrows is tied together by a prominent bow, completing a balanced and symbolic composition that captured the spirit of its era.