Numismatic

1887 Indian Head Cent XF Details

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The 1887 Indian Head Cent offers a fascinating glimpse into late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck in a durable alloy consisting of 95 percent copper alongside a 5 percent blend of tin and zinc, this one-cent piece carries the unmistakable design work of James B. Longacre. The obverse features a stylized depiction of Liberty adorned in a traditional Native American feathered headdress, a creative choice that became one of the most recognizable icons of United States currency. On the reverse, the coin displays its denomination, ONE CENT, nestled within a detailed wreath that runs along the inner border. This particular specimen is graded in Extra Fine condition, though it bears the unique character marks of its long journey through circulation, including surface details that note historical cleaning, scratches, tiny pits, or corrosion. These physical imperfections tell a story of a coin that was active in daily commerce during a bustling era of American growth.