Genuine United States Mint: 1859-1909  Indian Head Cent (50522) 

The Indian Cent is the first of America’s “Small Cents”. Earlier one-cent denomination coins were 50% greater in diameter and three times the weight. The new coin was an immediate success when it was introduced and remained popilar during the 50 years it was produced. The famous Indian Head was designed by Chief Mint Engraver James B.  Longacre. His daughter, Sarah is said to have posed for the portrait. The story goes that one day while Sarah was visiting her father at the mint, an Indian chief who was there playfully placed his feather headdress on her head. Longacre made a quick sketch, which he later used as a model.

Specifications:
Designer: James R. Longacre
Years Issued: 1859-1909
Where Minted:  Philadelphia and San Francisco
Diameter: 19mm; Weight: 3.11gms;
Composition: .950 Copper .050 Tin and Zinc
Rarest Date: 1909S