1909 Indian Head Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,600 MS64BN 04-03-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1909 Indian Head Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. Total mintage reached 14.4 million. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often misidentified as a Native American — actually represents Liberty adorned with a chief's war bonnet, while the reverse displays an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. Designed by James Barton Longacre. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2235. James Barton Longacre created the Indian Head Cent, reportedly using his daughter Sarah as a model. One of the most collected U.S. series. Key dates include the 1877, 1909-S, and the 1864-L (first year with "L" for Longacre on the ribbon). The semi-key 1908-S and 1909-S are also prized.