Indian Head Cent Date Illegible Worn Smooth

Updated September 4, 2026

An Indian Head cent, the copper-bronze small cent James Longacre designed and the Mint struck from 1859 through 1909. The date is not legible on the coin. The attribution comes from the consignor's flip and is unverified. The 2x2 holder is marked 1876 in ink, but the date area below the bust is worn flat and very dark and only the leading 18 can be made out, so this is cataloged and priced as an unattributed Indian Head cent. It is heavily circulated, roughly About Good to Good. The headdress feathers are worn smooth and LIBERTY on the headband is gone. The reverse is the stronger side, with ONE CENT fully readable and partial detail in the oak wreath. Surfaces are dark brown to nearly black with a slightly porous texture, and a few fibers from the holder cling to the edge. No verdigris, no green corrosion, no sign of cleaning. Worth knowing: on this design the date sits low under the bust where the rim gives it almost no protection, so it is usually the first thing to wear away. Estimated Value: $2 to $5. Sold as-is. Photos are the most accurate description of this lot. Written descriptions are a guide only and may contain errors. Please review all photos before bidding.

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