1908 Indian Head Cent - 1st S - Circulated

The United States Cent is one of the most popular collector coins released by the mint over the last 200 years! The vast majority of their collectability stems from the fact that the U.S. Cent has an extremely unique history in regards to their production, design, diameter, and their historical significance (The United States Mint’s first circulating coin ever produced was the Cent!).

One of the most iconic variations of the United States Cent is the fabled “Indian Head” cent, which was last produced in 1909, over 100 years ago! Today we are bringing to you, a valued member of our collector family, the first-ever non-precious metal coin struck at the San Francisco Mint: the 1908 Cent! This ‘Indian Head’ cent was the first coin of its kind to be struck by a U.S. Branch Mint, making it an iconic first that every collection should own!

Now I know a few of you more experienced collectors will say the "Indian Head" cent does not actually feature an Indian... and you are in fact correct! The moniker “Indian Head Cent” is a term that actually derived from the collectors themselves! The profile on the design of the “Indian Head” cent is actually the image of our own “Lady Liberty” wearing an Indian Headdress, and not an actual Native American.

Before this special coin was struck in 1908, the Branch Mints located in San Francisco, Denver, and West Point had only ever struck pieces from precious metals (primarily Gold & Silver). That changed in 1908 with the creation of the San Francisco Mint’s Indian Head Cent – a piece that has gone on to become one of the most sought-after Cents in U.S. History! This is due to the fact that in collecting, few coins are as important as U.S Mint Firsts, and this groundbreaking piece is chief among them!