Indian Head Cents
1859-1879

Indian Head cents (and Flying Eagle cents) were designed by James B. (Barton) Longacre (1794-1869) and struck from 1859 through 1909. The Indian Head design is actually a representation of Liberty wearing an Indian (Native American) headdress, not an actual Indian. Prior to the issuance of the five-cent nickel pieces in 1866, these coins were commonly referred to as nickels or nicks. Later, they were called white cents. The 1888 8/7 (last 8 over 7) coin is the rarest. Red Book (2008) values for the 1888 8/7 Indian Head cent range from $1,100 to $28,000.