Indian Head Cent 1891 G-VG

The nation continued to innovate, primarily the nations chief inventor: Thomas Edison. In the year 1891, Edison patented the radio and a motion picture camera, however a number of French inventors took credit for it at the time, a contested issue to this day! James Naismith, a PE teacher, invented basketball. Steel baron Andrew Carnegie opened Carnegie Hall in New York City. The King of Hawaii died in the year 1891. The San Francisco Mint’s 1883 silver coin with his bust would become very popular. Finally the American Numismatic Association was founded in Chicago in 1891. It would become the world’s largest coin collecting group!

This year the Mint issued less Indian Head cents than the year prior. Only 47,000,000 pennies were made that year. This is not a particularly tough date to collect, however, it was circulated widely and well into the twentieth century. Most higher grades of the 1891 Indian Head cent exist today by chance. Collector demand for uncirculated Indian Head cents has not faltered either. The price has not decreased from finding hoards of uncirculated Indian Head cents. It is apparent that Lady Liberty’s charm on the obverse of the coin has not been lost as over a century has gone by.

This was another year of low proof mintages. Only 2,350 proof Indian Head cents were made in 1891. Although lower grade proofs are readily available on the market, finding red gem proofs is very difficult. Most specimens today come with a very dark toning. There is a very popular variety this year. The Snow-1 is a strong double die obverse of the “of” and “Liberty”. Very few of this variety has been found since its discovery in 1990. Other varieties, mostly repunched dates, are known for this year. If you have any questions regarding the Indian Head Cent or varieties, please contact any of our knowledgeable staff at 800-735-1311, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

• Denomination: Cent
• Year: 1891
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: 1.5 mm
• Grade: Ungraded