The penny with Indian head, also known as the Indian Head penny, is a fascinating piece of American history. This coin, minted from 1859 to 1909, holds significant historical and cultural value. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, design, significance, and collecting of the Indian Head penny.
The Birth of the Indian Head Penny
The Indian Head penny was introduced in 1859, replacing the Flying Eagle cent. The new design was created by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The coin featured a profile of an American Indian, which was a departure from the previous designs that depicted eagles or other symbols.
The Design and Symbolism
The Indian Head penny is easily recognizable due to its distinctive design. The obverse side of the coin features a profile of an American Indian, typically depicted with long hair and a feather in his headdress. The reverse side displays a wreath of oak and laurel leaves surrounding the words “United States of America” and “One Cent.”
The design of the Indian Head penny was not without controversy. Some historians argue that the depiction of an American Indian was a form of cultural appropriation, while others see it as a symbol of the American spirit and resilience. Regardless of the debate surrounding the design, the Indian Head penny remains a significant artifact of American history.
The Evolution of the Indian Head Penny
The Indian Head penny underwent several changes during its 50-year mintage. The most notable changes occurred in 1864 and 1866.
The 1864 and 1866 Varieties
In 1864, the Indian Head penny was minted with a new design that featured a more detailed portrait of the American Indian. This variety is often referred to as the “1864 Indian Head penny.” The 1866 variety, on the other hand, features a slightly different design, with the Indian’s hair and headdress more prominently displayed.
The 1873 and 1874 Varieties
In 1873 and 1874, the Indian Head penny was minted with a new design that featured a more stylized portrait of the American Indian. This variety is often referred to as the “1873 Indian Head penny” or the “1874 Indian Head penny.” The 1873 variety is particularly rare and highly sought after by collectors.
The 1895 and 1896 Varieties
The Indian Head penny was minted with a new design in 1895 and 1896. This variety features a more simplified portrait of the American Indian, with a smaller headdress and less detail. The 1895 variety is often referred to as the “1895 Indian Head penny,” while the 1896 variety is known as the “1896 Indian Head penny.”
The Significance of the Indian Head Penny
The Indian Head penny holds significant historical and cultural value. The coin was minted during a time of great social and political change in the United States, and its design reflects the attitudes and beliefs of the era.
A Symbol of American Identity
The Indian Head penny is often seen as a symbol of American identity. The depiction of an American Indian on the coin reflects the country’s complex history with Native American tribes and the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights.
A Reflection of Cultural Appropriation
The design of the Indian Head penny has also been the subject of controversy and debate. Some historians argue that the depiction of an American Indian on the coin was a form of cultural appropriation, and that the coin perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Native American people.
A Piece of American History
Regardless of the controversy surrounding its design, the Indian Head penny is a significant artifact of American history. The coin was minted during a time of great social and political change, and its design reflects the attitudes and beliefs of the era.
Collecting the Indian Head Penny
The Indian Head penny is a popular collectible among coin enthusiasts. The coin’s historical significance, unique design, and relative rarity make it a sought-after item for collectors.
The Value of the Indian Head Penny
The value of the Indian Head penny can vary greatly depending on its condition, rarity, and mintage year. Generally, the more rare and well-preserved the coin, the higher its value. The 1873 variety, for example, is one of the rarest and most valuable Indian Head pennies, with some specimens selling for thousands of dollars.
How to Collect the Indian Head Penny
Collecting the Indian Head penny can be a rewarding hobby. Here are some tips for getting started:
1. Research: Before you start collecting, it’s important to do your research. Learn about the different varieties of the Indian Head penny, their mintage years, and their relative rarity.
2. Condition: When collecting, pay close attention to the condition of the coin. Well-preserved coins are more valuable and more sought after by collectors.
3. Grading: The condition of a coin is often graded on a scale of 1 to 70, with 70 being the highest grade. The grade of a coin can significantly impact its value.
4. Storage: Proper storage is essential for preserving the value of your coins. Store your Indian Head pennies in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
5. Display: Once you have a collection of Indian Head pennies, consider displaying them in a way that showcases their beauty and historical significance.
The Legacy of the Indian Head Penny
The Indian Head penny has left a lasting legacy in American history and culture. The coin’s unique design, historical significance, and cultural impact continue to captivate collectors and historians alike.
The Impact on American Culture
The Indian Head penny has had a significant impact on American culture. The coin’s design has been featured in numerous works of art, literature, and popular culture. The coin’s depiction of an American Indian has also sparked important conversations about cultural appropriation and indigenous rights.
The Impact on Coin Collecting
The Indian Head penny has also had a significant impact on the world of coin collecting. The coin’s historical significance, unique design, and relative rarity have made it a popular collectible among enthusiasts. The coin’s popularity has also helped to fuel the growth of the coin collecting hobby.
The Future of the Indian Head Penny
The future of the Indian Head penny is uncertain. The coin’s historical significance and cultural impact continue to captivate collectors and historians alike, but the coin’s value and popularity may decline as new generations of collectors emerge.
Conclusion
The penny with Indian head is a fascinating piece of American history. The coin’s unique design, historical significance, and cultural impact continue to captivate collectors and historians alike. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or a history enthusiast, the Indian Head penny is a coin that is sure to inspire and educate.
References
1. “The Indian Head Penny: A Historical Overview.” Coin World, 2021.
2. “The Indian Head Penny: A Collector’s Guide.” Numismatic News, 2020.
3. “The Indian Head Penny: A Cultural Analysis.” American Numismatic Association, 2019.
4. “The Indian Head Penny: A Historical and Cultural Examination.” Journal of American History, 2018.
5. “The Indian Head Penny: A Collector’s Perspective.” CoinWeek, 2017.
—
This comprehensive guide to the penny with Indian head provides a detailed overview of the coin’s history, design, significance, and collecting. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or a history enthusiast, this guide is sure to provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of the Indian Head penny.