The 1889 1C Indian Head Penny, a regular strike coin from the Philadelphia Mint, continues the legacy of the Indian Head cent series with a high mintage year. The design by James Barton Longacre is a celebrated part of American numismatic history.
Product Specifications:
- Designer: James Barton Longacre
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 48,866,025
- Metal Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Year of Issue: 1889
Design Highlights:
The obverse of the 1889 Indian Head Penny features the iconic image of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, with "LIBERTY" inscribed on the headband, and the date "1889" positioned below. The reverse showcases a wreath encircling the "ONE CENT" denomination with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border.
Collectibility and Rarity:
The 1889 Indian Head Cent is fairly common in circulated conditions and up to MS63 grade, making it accessible to a broad range of collectors. Coins with the Red (RD) surface designation are scarce in any condition, making them particularly sought after by collectors. In MS64 to MS65 grades, the coin is scarce, with an estimated total of around 1,000 examples across these two grades. The coin becomes very difficult to obtain in MS66 condition, with potentially less than a few dozen examples known to exist, increasing their rarity and desirability among numismatists.
Collector Perspective:
The 1889 1C Indian Head Penny is an excellent addition to any coin collection, offering a glimpse into the late 19th-century coinage. It is especially valuable for collectors looking to acquire coins with original red surfaces or those seeking higher-grade examples which are significantly rarer and represent the peak of the coin's condition and quality.
