1909 Indian Head Cent Base

About This Coin

The 1909 Indian Head Cent Base is a United States cent from 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, 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. James Barton Longacre created the Indian Head Cent, reportedly using his daughter Sarah as a model. Initially struck in copper-nickel (1859-1864), the composition changed to bronze in 1864 to address the hoarding of cents during the Civil War. The series ran for 50 years before yielding to the Lincoln Cent. 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.