- 1897 Indian Head Pennies
The Indian Head penny was only the second small cent to be created. Like the Flying Eagle cent, the Indian Head penny was designed by James B. Longacre, who was an extremely influential figure in the design of American coinage. The obverse of Longacre’s design features not an “Indian,” but in fact a profile bust portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American-style feather headdress.
- NGC's Coin Price Guide for Indian Cents (1859-1909). 1897 1897 1C MSBN 1897 1897 1C MSBN. 1909 INDIAN 1909 INDIAN 1C MSRD 1909 INDIAN 1909.
- Coin Value Price Chart for Indian Head Cent 1C. Lookup Coin values for Good, Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, Brilliant Uncirculated & Proof conditions and MS grade. How much Indian Head Cent are worth. Coins for sale for Indian Head Cent type items.
Coin Info
1897 Indian Head Penny Usa
1897 Indian Head cents are quite common and are usually encountered in mixed-date rolls of Indian Head cents. They’re also easily found at most coin shops that deal with 19th- and 20th-century U.S. coinage. 1897 pennies are usually bought by coin collectors who are assembling type sets and those who are completing a series collection of Indian Head pennies. 1897 Indian Head pennies are also widely pursued by those who may not necessarily consider themselves coin collectors but nevertheless want an inexpensive example of this classic American coin.
1897 Indian Head cents were made in large numbers. 50,466,330 were struck, and they retail for $2 in a grade of Good-4. In addition to the 50+ million business strikes, 1,938 proofs were made. Choice specimens are worth $1,600.
The “Indian Head” name of this penny design is actually a misnomer. In fact, the figure represents Miss Liberty and was modeled after Sarah Longacre, the young daughter of James B. Longacre, the coin’s designer. He served as Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1844 until his death in 1869. In addition to 1897 Indian Head pennies, Longacre also became well known for designing the two-cent piece, which in 1864 became the first U.S. coin to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
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