The Indian Head Cent stands as a significant and easily recognized piece of American numismatic history, valued by collectors across generations. Issued between 1859 and 1909, this small-denomination coin represented a turning point in U.S. coin design, as the Mint gradually transitioned from classical artistic traditions to imagery that reflected the country’s growing sense of self. Right now, 1905 Indian Head Cents with an RD designation are available at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
This 1905 Indian Head Cent is available in Mint State 64 condition, indicating an attractive eye appeal with light, scattered marks and only one or two heavier marks. This coin exhibits golden-amber color with bright, satin-like luster. The warm colors are uniform across both sides of the coin. The coveted RD designation indicates this historic copper penny features at least 95% of its original reddish-orange copper color.
Between 1900 and 1909, the Indian Head Cent experienced its final decade of production, with mintages remaining robust as the coin had become firmly established in American commerce. These later years saw generally higher production numbers than earlier decades, with several years exceeding 50 million pieces struck as the nation’s economy expanded and population grew.
A left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American–style headdress appears on the obverse of the 1905 Indian Head Cent. The design was created by James B. Longacre, who served as the United States Mint’s engraver, and it has been the subject of ongoing discussion since its debut. Despite the name Indian Head, the figure does not depict an actual Native American. Instead, Liberty is portrayed wearing a feathered bonnet, combining classical symbolism with design elements influenced by Native American culture.
The Type II reverse design appears on the 1905 Indian Head Cent and represents an important evolution within the series. Over the course of its production, the Indian Head Cent saw a key alteration to its reverse. The earliest coins, struck from 1859 to 1860, featured a laurel wreath encircling the words “ONE CENT,” but this design was changed in 1860 to an oak wreath with a small shield positioned at the top. Introduced as the Civil War began, the Union Shield stood as a symbol of unity during a period of national turmoil. It remained part of the reverse design for the remainder of the series, transforming a decorative feature into a statement of national perseverance.
If you have any questions about rare US copper pennies, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.

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The Indian Head Cent stands as a significant and easily recognized piece of American numismatic history, valued by collectors across generations. Issued between 1859 and 1909, this small-denomination coin represented a turning point in U.S. coin design, as the Mint gradually transitioned from classical artistic traditions to imagery that reflected the country’s growing sense of self. Right now, 1905 Indian Head Cents with an RD designation are available at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
This 1905 Indian Head Cent is available in Mint State 64 condition, indicating an attractive eye appeal with light, scattered marks and only one or two heavier marks. This coin exhibits golden-amber color with bright, satin-like luster. The warm colors are uniform across both sides of the coin. The coveted RD designation indicates this historic copper penny features at least 95% of its original reddish-orange copper color.
Between 1900 and 1909, the Indian Head Cent experienced its final decade of production, with mintages remaining robust as the coin had become firmly established in American commerce. These later years saw generally higher production numbers than earlier decades, with several years exceeding 50 million pieces struck as the nation’s economy expanded and population grew.
A left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American–style headdress appears on the obverse of the 1905 Indian Head Cent. The design was created by James B. Longacre, who served as the United States Mint’s engraver, and it has been the subject of ongoing discussion since its debut. Despite the name Indian Head, the figure does not depict an actual Native American. Instead, Liberty is portrayed wearing a feathered bonnet, combining classical symbolism with design elements influenced by Native American culture.
The Type II reverse design appears on the 1905 Indian Head Cent and represents an important evolution within the series. Over the course of its production, the Indian Head Cent saw a key alteration to its reverse. The earliest coins, struck from 1859 to 1860, featured a laurel wreath encircling the words “ONE CENT,” but this design was changed in 1860 to an oak wreath with a small shield positioned at the top. Introduced as the Civil War began, the Union Shield stood as a symbol of unity during a period of national turmoil. It remained part of the reverse design for the remainder of the series, transforming a decorative feature into a statement of national perseverance.
If you have any questions about rare US copper pennies, please feel free to ask. JM Bullion customer service is available at 800-276-6508, online using our web chat, and via our email address.