Long before the wheat penny, there was the Indian Head penny — a coin that captured the spirit of 19th century America in stunning detail. Found on the ends of our special wheat penny rolls, these coins are a prized discovery for any collector. Here are 10 fascinating facts about the Indian Head penny that make it one of America's most beloved coins.
1. The "Indian" Isn't Actually a Native American
Despite the name, the figure on the coin is Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress — not an actual Native American. Designer James Barton Longacre is said to have modeled the portrait after his daughter Sarah, who tried on a chief's headdress during a visit to his studio.
2. They Were Minted for 50 Years
Indian Head pennies were produced from 1859 to 1909, spanning half a century of American history — from just before the Civil War all the way to the dawn of the automobile age.
3. The Design Changed in Its Second Year
The original 1859 design featured a laurel wreath on the reverse. In 1860, it was changed to an oak wreath with a shield at the top — a design that remained for the rest of the coin's production run.
4. Civil War Soldiers Carried Them
Indian Head pennies were the pocket change of Civil War soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Holding one connects you directly to one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
5. They Were Originally Made of Copper-Nickel
The first Indian Head pennies (1859–1864) were made of 88% copper and 12% nickel, giving them a lighter, yellowish appearance. In 1864, the composition changed to 95% bronze, producing the warmer reddish-brown color collectors know today.
6. A Thin "L" Is Hidden on the Ribbon
Starting in 1864, designer James Longacre added a tiny "L" — his initial — to the ribbon of Lady Liberty's headdress. It's so small you need a magnifying glass to spot it, making it a fun treasure hunt on every coin.
7. The 1877 Is the King of Indian Head Pennies
With only about 852,500 minted, the 1877 Indian Head penny is the rarest and most valuable of the series. In top condition, it can sell for tens of thousands of dollars — a true holy grail for collectors.
8. They Overlapped With Wheat Pennies
In 1909, both Indian Head pennies and the brand-new Lincoln Wheat pennies were in circulation at the same time. Finding an Indian Head penny on the end of a wheat penny roll is a nod to that historic transition — two iconic eras touching hands.
9. They Were Hoarded During the Civil War
During the Civil War, people hoarded gold and silver coins out of fear, causing a severe coin shortage. Indian Head pennies — made of base metal — became critically important for everyday commerce, cementing their place in American economic history.
10. Even Common Dates Are Worth Collecting
While key dates like the 1877 command premium prices, even common Indian Head pennies in circulated condition are worth many times their face value. And in an unsearched roll with Indian ends, you never know exactly which year you'll uncover.
Find Your Own Indian Head Penny
At Al the Penny Guy, our wheat penny rolls with Indian ends give you the thrill of the hunt — genuine unsearched rolls where an Indian Head penny waits at each end. It's history you can hold in your hand.