1891 US Indian Head Cent (Note: Composition is Copper-Tin-Zinc Alloy, Not Gold)
Coin · Not Applicable (Bronze/Copper Alloy)
Purity: Not Gold (Composition is 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel-bronze/tin-zinc)
Type
Coin
Purity
Not Gold (Composition is 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel-bronze/tin-zinc)
Gold Type
Not Applicable (Bronze/Copper Alloy)
Weight
3.11 grams
Description
An 1891 United States Indian Head Cent resting on an inbound weigh scale ticket. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features Lady Liberty in profile wearing a traditional Native American feathered headdress, encircled by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the date 1891. While often mistaken for gold due to its rich bronze color and historical association with precious metal coinages, this classic piece is entirely composed of a copper alloy.
Key Features
Iconic Indian Head design by James B. Longacre, clear 1891 date, historic bronze composition
Color & Finish
Brown to reddish-brown patinated bronze with circulation wear and a matte to semi-lustrous finish
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse features Liberty wearing a Native American headdress with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and date 1891
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of 19 millimeters
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Plain edge (not reeded)
Chain & Links
Not Applicable
Craftsmanship Details
Struck via mechanical coining press at the Philadelphia Mint with high relief dies characteristic of late 19th-century US minting technology
Authentication Indicators
Genuine copper-tin composition, correct weight and diameter for a late 19th-century Indian Head cent, sharp lettering relative to wear grade, absence of modern casting bubbles
Origin & Maker
United States Mint, Philadelphia, USA
Era & Period
Victorian Era (Late 19th Century)
Age Estimate
1891 production
Cultural Significance
A beloved staple of American numismatics, representing late 19th-century US economic expansion, westward movement romanticism, and everyday currency during the post-Reconstruction era
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible wear on Liberty's hair ribbons and the feathers of the headdress, moderate toning and patina, Grade: Good to Very Good (G-4 to VG-8)
Value Estimate
Numismatic value ranging from $2 to $15 depending on exact grade and collector demand, as it has no intrinsic gold melt value
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry, inert environment such as a 2x2 coin flip or coin capsule, avoid harsh chemical dips or aggressive cleaning to preserve natural bronze toning and historical value
Similar Items
1890 or 1892 US Indian Head Cents, Flying Eagle Cents (1856-1858), early Wheat Lincoln Cents (1909-1910)
Interesting Facts
Despite being commonly referred to as a penny, the Indian Head Cent actually contains significantly more copper than modern zinc-core US pennies and was minted continuously from 1859 until 1909 before being replaced by the Lincoln Cent