Numismatic

1901 Indian Head Cent BU

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The 1901 Indian Head Cent represents a fascinating chapter in late nineteenth and early twentieth century American coinage. Struck in Philadelphia, this one cent piece is composed of an alloy containing 95 percent copper, with the remaining 5 percent made of tin and zinc. It survives today in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, preserving the sharp details of its original engraving. On the obverse, the coin displays a profile of Liberty wearing a traditional Native American feathered headdress. The word LIBERTY is inscribed across the band of the headdress, surrounded by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the date 1901 at the bottom. This design, created by James B. Longacre, offers a distinctive and stylized representation of American liberty. The reverse of the coin features the denomination ONE CENT clearly displayed in the center. This text is encircled by a detailed wreath, completing a simple yet elegant design that defined the copper penny for generations of Americans.