1 Cent "Indian Head Cent"
United States · 1864–1909 · Base Metal
Specifications
| Years | 1864–1909 |
| Denomination | 1 Cent |
| Composition | Bronze (.950 copper, .050 tin and zinc) |
| Gross weight | 3.11 g |
| Fineness | 95.0% base metal |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | 1.47 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Shape | Round |
| Designer | James Barton Longacre |
| Type | Standard circulation coins |
Catalog data via Numista, where photos and mintage details are available.
Design
Obverse
Liberty with Indian headdress bearing the word Liberty with the date below
Reverse
Shield and wreath with lettering centered and the mintmark below the wreath (1908 and 1909 only)
About this coin’s value
This coin is composed of bronze (.950 copper, .050 tin and zinc) and weighs 3.11 g. It carries no precious-metal melt value, so its worth is numismatic — driven by date, mint mark, grade and demand. For copper-era cents, the metal itself can exceed face value — see the copper penny calculator and our copper penny guide.
More 1 Cent coins
- 1 Cent - Civil War Token - Indian Head Copper Mine
- 1 Cent - H. M. Lane (New York City, New York)
- 1 Cent - The Flag of Our Union
- Civil War Merchant Token - Carl Haas (Cincinnati, Ohio)
- Civil War Merchant Token - E. W. Hall (Whitehall, New York)
- Civil War Patriotic Token - United States Copper
- Token - Merchant exchange Wall St. N. York
- 1 Cent (Vieques Island Counterstamp)1783–1785
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" made of silver or gold?
No — the 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" is bronze (.950 copper, .050 tin and zinc), so it carries no precious-metal melt value. Its worth is numismatic: driven by date, mint mark, grade and collector demand.
What years was the 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" minted?
The 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" was issued 1864–1909.
Who designed the 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent"?
The 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" was designed by James Barton Longacre.
How big is a 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent"?
It weighs 3.11 g and measures 19 mm across and 1.47 mm thick (bronze (.950 copper, .050 tin and zinc)).
Educational reference, not an offer to buy or sell. Specifications are catalog data and may vary by variety; verify before any transaction.