This 1894 Indian Head Cent has the lowest mintage out of all Indian Head Cents minted in the 1890s. In fact, the 1894 mintage of 16,400,000 Indian Head Cents is less than half the typical mintage from that decade, with the highest mintage reaching over 57,000,000! The U.S. Mint barely produced 28% of that mintage in 1894, so this coin's low mintage is very noticable. In grades MS64+ this one cent coin goes for hundreds of dollars. Don't miss out on adding this special little rarity to your collection for cheap today!
Highlights:
- LOW mintage
- Over 130 years old
- Copper cent
The 1894 1C Indian Head Penny, a regular strike from the Philadelphia Mint, boasts a distinction within the Indian Head series due to its relatively low mintage for the decade. Crafted by James Barton Longacre, this coin captures a moment in time from the vibrant era of the late 19th century.
Product Specifications:
- Designer: James Barton Longacre
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 16,749,500
- Metal Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Year of Issue: 1894
Design Highlights:
The 1894 Indian Head Penny features the classic obverse design of Lady Liberty in a Native American headdress, with "LIBERTY" inscribed on the band and the year "1894" displayed beneath. The reverse includes a laurel wreath surrounding the "ONE CENT" denomination, framed by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
Collectibility and Rarity:
Despite having the lowest mintage of the 1890s, the 1894 Indian Head Cent is not scarce enough to be considered a key date. The coin is relatively common in grades below MS64, making it an affordable option for most collectors. At MS65, the penny becomes significantly harder to find, commanding a substantial premium. In MS66, the coin is very expensive and considered a high-value item among serious collectors, although there are enough examples in the market to be accessible to those willing to invest.
Appeal to Collectors:
The 1894 1C Indian Head Penny is a sought-after piece due to its mintage status, and while it is not the rarest, it offers a unique charm and a touch of scarcity that appeals to coin enthusiasts. Collectors looking for a higher-grade example will find the pursuit challenging yet rewarding, with the coin's historic value and aesthetic appeal making it a prized addition to any collection.
