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The 1870 Indian Head Cent is a significant and sought-after piece in American numismatics, representing a crucial period in U.S. coinage history. Designed by James Barton Longacre, the Indian Head Cent series was struck from 1859 to 1909 and remains one of the most popular and widely collected small cents. The 1870 issue, minted in Philadelphia, was produced during a time of post-Civil War economic recovery, adding historical depth to its numismatic value. Certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) in Fine 12 Brown (F12BN) condition, this coin offers collectors an authentic piece of American history while retaining substantial detail and character.
The Indian Head Cent was introduced in 1859 as a replacement for the Flying Eagle Cent, which had suffered from striking issues due to its high-relief design. Longacre’s new design for the Indian Head Cent proved more practical for minting while also capturing an image that symbolized liberty and the American spirit. Contrary to popular belief, the obverse portrait does not depict a Native American but is instead modeled after Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, an artistic representation rather than an actual historical figure. This distinctive imagery made the Indian Head Cent a standout among U.S. coin designs and remains one of the most admired and collected coins from the 19th century.
The obverse of the 1870 Indian Head Cent features the profile of Liberty adorned with a feathered headdress inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The portrait is finely detailed, with a sharp outline of the feathers and facial features. Encircling Liberty's image is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the date “1870” appearing at the bottom. Over time, the design has become one of the most recognizable in U.S. numismatics, symbolizing the artistic shift of American coinage during the latter half of the 19th century. Even in Fine 12 (F12) condition, this coin retains its essential design elements, with visible details in Liberty’s portrait and headdress.
The reverse of the 1870 Indian Head Cent showcases the traditional oak wreath design encircling the denomination “ONE CENT.” This wreath, composed of intricately detailed oak leaves, is tied at the base with a ribbon, and above the denomination sits a small, protective shield. The inclusion of the shield is a notable design element, reinforcing national unity in the wake of the Civil War. The craftsmanship of the reverse design, even on coins that have seen circulation, remains impressive, demonstrating the attention to detail that Longacre brought to his work.
The 1870 Indian Head Cent was minted exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the sole producer of small cents at the time. With a total mintage of approximately 5,275,000 coins, it is considered a moderately available date in the series. However, its survival rate in higher grades is relatively low due to the extensive circulation of cents during the late 19th century. Most surviving examples, like the F12BN specimen, have seen moderate to heavy use, making well-preserved pieces more desirable to collectors.
During the 1870s, the U.S. economy was undergoing significant changes, with the nation still recovering from the Civil War while experiencing industrial growth. The use of small cents was increasing as they gradually replaced the fractional currency notes that had been issued during the war. Indian Head Cents were widely used in everyday commerce, leading to significant wear on most surviving specimens. The coins were particularly popular in rural areas, where paper money was less commonly trusted, further contributing to their heavy circulation.
The composition of the 1870 Indian Head Cent consists of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, a metal blend introduced in 1864. This composition gave the coin its distinct reddish-brown appearance when new, although most circulated examples have developed a more uniform brown patina over time. The F12BN designation indicates that this particular coin has a consistent brown coloration, with natural toning that has developed over more than 150 years.
The Fine 12 (F12) grade, as assigned by NGC, indicates that this coin has experienced moderate wear but still retains most of its primary design elements. In this grade, Liberty’s profile is visible, though some finer details in the hair and headdress have worn down. The reverse maintains a clear “ONE CENT” inscription, with portions of the oak wreath and shield still discernible. While the high points of the design show smoothing, the overall detail remains strong enough for a collector to appreciate its historical and artistic significance.
The surfaces of this F12BN Indian Head Cent are typical of a coin that has seen extended circulation. It likely exhibits some minor contact marks and surface abrasions, common for a coin of this age and grade. However, there are no major distractions or damage that would significantly detract from its overall appearance. The brown patina has developed naturally, giving the coin an appealing, even coloration that enhances its vintage aesthetic.
The desirability of an 1870 Indian Head Cent in F12BN condition stems from its affordability and historical value. While higher-grade examples exist, they command significantly higher prices, making this grade an excellent option for collectors who wish to own an authentic piece of 19th-century U.S. coinage without a substantial financial investment. The certification by NGC adds further assurance of authenticity, ensuring that the coin has been professionally graded and encapsulated for preservation.
Many collectors of Indian Head Cents seek to build date sets, and the 1870 issue is an essential addition to any such collection. Given that this date was struck in a relatively moderate quantity compared to later years, it holds a special place in the series. It is not as common as the 1880s and 1890s dates but is still more accessible than some of the key dates, making it a manageable yet rewarding acquisition for collectors.
The appeal of the 1870 Indian Head Cent extends beyond numismatics, as it serves as a tangible artifact from a transformative era in American history. The late 19th century was a period of rapid expansion, technological innovation, and economic evolution. Coins like this circulated widely, changing hands among merchants, farmers, laborers, and pioneers, carrying with them stories of the people who built the nation.
The long-lasting popularity of the Indian Head Cent series can be attributed to its artistic beauty, historical significance, and collectibility. Even in lower grades, these coins remain highly desirable due to their classic design and widespread use in daily commerce. The fact that so many examples have survived in various states of preservation speaks to their importance in American life during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The 1870 Indian Head Cent in F12BN condition offers collectors an opportunity to own a certified and graded example of a classic U.S. coin. Its moderate wear, even toning, and certification by NGC make it a reliable and appealing choice for those looking to build a meaningful collection of Indian Head Cents. Whether for historical appreciation, artistic admiration, or investment purposes, this coin remains an enduring piece of American numismatic history.
The 1870 Indian Head Cent stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Philadelphia Mint, the artistic vision of James B. Longacre, and the evolving economy of post-Civil War America. As one of the more collectible dates in the series, it continues to be a favorite among numismatists. Owning a certified example like this allows collectors to preserve a piece of history, ensuring that the legacy of the Indian Head Cent remains appreciated for generations to come.