The 1891 Indian Cent is a common penny that can still be found at affordable prices. By 1891, the Indian head penny had been in circulation for decades. While mintage numbers dropped during and directly after the Civil War, demand increased during the 1880s and continued into the next decade. The three-cent nickel had gone out of production, so the only currency coin available under five cents was the penny.
1891 Indian Head Cent Design
Different 1891 Indian Head One Cent coins are most commonly distinguished by their coloring. They can be found in red, red-brown and brown versions. The red tint tends to be the rarest and most valuable. Otherwise, the design had been left largely unchanged for some time. One side of the coin features the profile of a female with caucasin features wearing an Indian Chief Headdress. While some have speculated that the bust was modeled after the designer's daughter, this theory has been disproven.
While the inspiration for the profile isn’t confirmed, we do know that she is supposed to represent the Goddess Liberty. The reverse side of the coin features an oak wreath, which replaced the laurel wreath, which was present on early versions of the coin. This side also includes a shield and the words “One Cent.”
1891 Indian Head Penny Value
A typical strike in decent condition is worth about $2.25. If you can find one of the proofs in good condition, you may be able to net over $2,000.
Type of coin: One Cent
Year: 1891 Indian Head Penny
Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 47,070,000
Metal content: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Face value: One Cent
Weight: 3.11 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Barton Longacre
Diameter: 19 millimeters