The 1896 1C Indian Head Penny, minted at the Philadelphia Mint, is part of the venerated Indian Head cent series and features the design work of James Barton Longacre. With a relatively high mintage, this coin is readily available to collectors and is a common date within the series.
Product Specifications:
- Designer: James Barton Longacre
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 39,055,431
- Metal Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Year of Issue: 1896
Design Highlights:
The coin's obverse features the iconic Indian Head design, depicting Lady Liberty in a Native American headdress with the word "LIBERTY" inscribed on the band, and the year "1896" below. The reverse includes a wreath surrounding the "ONE CENT" denomination, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircling the design.
Collectibility and Rarity:
The 1896 Indian Head Penny is widely available up to MS65 grade, offering an accessible entry point for collectors to acquire a coin in excellent condition. In MS66, the coin becomes much scarcer, with an estimated availability of around 100 examples, making it a more sought-after grade for serious collectors. At the MS67 grade level, the penny is very rare, with only a handful or fewer examples known, significantly increasing its value and collectibility. The Brown (BN) designation indicates that these coins exhibit the characteristic brown patina typical of aged copper coins, adding to their historic allure.
Collector's Appeal:
The 1896 1C Indian Head Penny is a popular collectible for those interested in the late 19th-century American coinage. It is an attractive piece for both novice and experienced collectors due to its availability in lower grades and the challenge it presents for those seeking higher-grade specimens. Collectors who acquire this coin in higher grades will have a remarkable example of numismatic history and craftsmanship.
