Indian Cents (1859-1909)

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Indian Cents (1859-1909)

Difficulty in striking up the design fully was the probable reason for replacing the attractive Eagle Cent in 1859. Chief Engraver Longacre modified the same profile he'd used for several coins that decade by simply adding a Native American headdress. The stock wreath used for the previous cent type was replaced in 1860 by an oak wreath with shield and arrows. An alloy of French bronze was substituted for copper-nickel midway through 1864 and retained through the end of the series.

Extremely popular with date collectors, the Indian Cent series features two key dates: 1877 and 1909-S. Otherwise there are no major obstacles to completing a set in circulated grades and in the lower grades of mint state. Fully red gems are scarce for most dates before 1880.

As the number of specialized books for this series suggests, it is rich in varieties. The most popular varieties are recognized by NGC in VarietyPlus. Standouts include 1860 with pointed bust, 1873 with doubled LIBERTY and 1894 with doubled date.

NGC will attribute the Indian Cent varieties listed below. Those included within The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties are labeled with Fivaz/Stanton (FS) numbers, while additional varieties employ NGC's VarietyPlus (VP) numbers. A further selection of varieties may be found within the books listed under References and will be of interest to the specialist.

References:

• Yeoman, R.S., Kenneth Bressett (editor). A Guide Book of United States Coins, 62nd Edition. Atlanta: Whitman Publishing, 2008.
• Bowers, Q. David. A Buyer’s and Enthusiast’s Guide to Flying Eagle and Indian Cents. Wolfeboro, NH: Bowers & Merena Galleries, 1996.
• Snow, Richard. Flying Eagle & Indian Cents. Eagle Eye Press, 1992.
• Snow, Richard. A Guide Book of Flying Eagle & Indian Head Cents. Atlanta: Whitman Publishing, 2006.
• Snow, Richard. The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide 1890-1909. Tucson, AZ: Eagle Eye Rare Coins, 2009.
• Fivaz, Bill & J.T. Stanton. The Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties, 5th Edition, Volume 1. Atlanta: Whitman Publishing, 2009.
• Snow, Richard. The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide 1856-1858. Eagle Eye Rare Coins. Tuscon, AZ, undated: M & G Publications.
• Snow, Richard. The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide 1859-1869. Eagle Eye Rare Coins. Tuscon, AZ, undated.
• Snow, Richard. The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide 1870-1889. Eagle Eye Rare Coins. Tuscon, AZ, undated.