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1859 Indian Cent Good & 1909 Lincoln Cent Fine |
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U.S. 1859 “First Year of Issue” Indian Head Cent --
Believe it or not, the first 1859 Indian Head cent was originally called a “nickel” or “nick.” That’s because at the time pennies were the only nickel-content coins used in American commerce. Struck in copper-nickel by the U.S. Mint, early Indian Head pennies were also known as “white cents.” The composition was altered in 1864 when extremely hard nickel became a critical Civil War armaments metal. The Indian Princess represents Liberty. The reverse’s laurel wreath is a unique one-year engraving. Our well-traveled Good quality circulated during the Civil War and Frontier era. (#17196).
U.S. 1909 “First Year of Issue” Lincoln Cent --
The first Lincoln cent of 1909 was issued for the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It replaced the Indian Head cent, which had been struck since 1859. It was the first time in U.S. minting history that a portrait of an historical figure appeared on American coins intended for circulation and the design won great acclaim from the American public. The very first cents produced carried the designer’s “VDB” initials on the reverse “Wheat” side. After release, objections were raised that the initials were obtrusively large. Later in 1909, this second type was issued without initials. Fine quality.
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