The 1900 1C Indian Head Penny, minted at the Philadelphia Mint, marks the beginning of a new century and is a significant piece within the Indian Head cent series, boasting the highest mintage from 1859 to 1900. This coin, featuring the design of James Barton Longacre, is a popular collectible due to its availability and the milestone year it represents.
Product Specifications:
- Designer: James Barton Longacre
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 66,831,502
- Metal Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Year of Issue: 1900
Design Highlights:
The obverse showcases the well-known Indian Head design with Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress inscribed with "LIBERTY" and the date "1900" below. The reverse features a wreath encircling the "ONE CENT" denomination, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" surrounding the design.
Collectibility and Rarity:
The 1900 Indian Head Cent is very common in circulated conditions due to its significant mintage, making it an accessible addition to any collection. In Mint State, the coin is plentiful up to MS64 grade, likely numbering in the thousands. The scarcity increases at MS65, where only several hundred examples may exist. MS66 grade coins are very difficult to find, with an estimated survival of around 150 examples. The coin becomes nearly rare in MS67 grade, with only a few dozen examples verified, and any coin graded higher is a rarity.
Collector's Appeal:
The 1900 1C Indian Head Penny offers collectors a piece of numismatic history from the turn of the 20th century. While it is easy to find in lower grades, the penny presents a challenge for those seeking exceptionally high-grade examples. Collectors who acquire this coin in higher grades will have a remarkable example of numismatic history and craftsmanship, encapsulating the dawn of a new era in American history.
