The 1869 1C Indian Head Penny stands as a significant numismatic treasure from the Philadelphia Mint, designed by James Barton Longacre. This coin is considered one of the key dates in the Indian Head series, embodying a rich history and notable scarcity across all grades.
Product Specifications:
- Designer: James Barton Longacre
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 6,420,000
- Metal Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Year of Issue: 1869
Design Highlights:
The obverse of the coin displays the classic Indian Head design, with Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress inscribed with "LIBERTY." The date "1869" appears beneath the profile. On the reverse, a laurel wreath encircles the denomination "ONE CENT," with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircling the wreath.
Collectibility and Rarity:
The 1869 Indian Head Penny is among the rarest of the series, making it highly sought after by collectors. The mintage for this year was significantly lower than for previous years, and the coin's survival rate is considerably lower than the minted figure suggests. It is rare in mint state and exceedingly rare in Full Red Gem condition, with Full Red examples typically presenting a more subdued red color. The coin is usually found to be well-struck, and Brown (BN) examples exhibit a wide range of shades from light to dark brown.
Numismatic Significance and Rarity:.
The 1869 Indian Head Penny is considered a semi-key date in the circulation strike series. It shares its rarity in circulated grades with the 1870, 1871, and 1872 issues, which also have low mintages. Moreover, only the 1877, 1908-S, and 1909-S have lower mintages, with the 1877 being the key date of the entire series. Collectors regard the 1869 Indian Head Penny as a premium piece even in lower grades due to its rarity and historical significance. As a coin that has seen many of its contemporaries spent, destroyed, or lost over the years, a well-preserved example is a true find and a testament to the history it has witnessed.
