1873 Indian Head Cent - Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 Snow-1

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Description

This is the doubled die obverse of the 1873 Indian Head Cent. The obverse design was impressed into the working die in two slightly different positions, so the die itself carries a doubled image and every coin struck from it shows the same doubling in the same place. The displacement is consistent in direction across the affected elements, and both images are fully formed and rounded. That is what distinguishes a true doubled die from machine doubling, which happens during the strike and leaves a flat shelf with no serifs. A cent from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1873 Indian Head Cent - Doubled Liberty belongs to the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often misidentified as a Native American — actually represents Liberty adorned with a chief's war bonnet and the reverse displays an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. The Liberty on the headdress is doubled. Minted during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, as the nation healed from civil war and debated the role of silver and gold in the monetary system. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $34 to $498 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2115.