Numismatic

1909 Indian Head Cent Fine

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The year 1909 marked the end of an era for one of America's most recognizable minor coins. This copper cent, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, represents the final chapter of a design that circulated widely during a transformative period in United States history. Crafted from an alloy containing 95 percent copper alongside a 5 percent mixture of tin and zinc, this coin has survived in Fine condition, showing the honest wear of a piece that once passed through countless hands in daily commerce. On the obverse, the design presents a profile of Liberty. Rather than wearing a traditional cap, she is depicted wearing a Native American feathered headdress, a creative choice by designer James B. Longacre that gave the series its famous nickname. The year 1909 is clearly visible beneath the portrait. The reverse of the coin features a clean and minimalist layout. The denomination "ONE CENT" is boldly inscribed at the center, framed by a decorative wreath. This simple combination of a symbolic national profile and a classic wreath created a lasting aesthetic that remains a favorite for those exploring the evolution of American coinage.