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Indian Head Penny Coin History – Blog No. 5 – Get to know your Indian Head Penny Coin Pendant and The History of the Indian Head Penny
by Dylan Holland on November 30, 2017
Indian Head Penny Coin History – Blog No. 5 – Get to know your Indian Head Penny Coin Pendant and The History of the Indian Head Penny
Indian Head Penny Coin Pendant
Our fifth blog in the GET TO KNOW YOUR COIN series details the Indian Head Penny history. We use this coin for our Indian Head Penny Coin Pendant and today we'll outline a little of the coin's history for you.
The Indian Head Pennies that we use for our Indian Head Penny Coin Pendants were minted between 1887 and 1908, and the year on each pendant will vary.
I don't know what it is about old pennies that I just love. I have a whole collection here of Indian Head Pennies, Wheat Pennies and pennies from the year I was born (don't ask, please). However, if you'd like to do something more with these little beauties, this pendant is a perfect wearable piece of art and gift priced.
Specs - The Indian Head Penny (Indian Head Cent)
Designer – James Barton Longacre
Diameter – 19.05 mm (0.750 in)
Edge – Plain
Composition -
(1859–1864) 88% copper, 12% nickel
(1864–1909) 95% copper, 5% tin or zinc
Years Minted – 1859–1909
Overview
The Indian Head cent, also known as an Indian Head penny, was produced from 1859 to 1909. It was designed by James Barton Longacre, Chief Engraver at the Philadelphia Mint.
Inception and Original Release
The history of the Indian Head Penny is really fascinating. Prior to 1857, the penny was a copper coin the size of a half dollar! However, it was expensive to produce, so a smaller coin was designed. That coin was problematic as well and was abandoned after only a few years.
After the Civil War, , the cent became very popular and was struck in large numbers except for in 1877 when a poor economy and little demand for pennies created one of the rarest dates in the series. With the invention of the coin-operated machine in 1883 even more pennies were produced, reaching 100 million for the first time in 1907.
In 1909, the Indian Head Penny was replaced by the Lincoln cent.
Steampunk, Anyone?
Because of the use of multiple metals in our Indian Head Penny Coin Pendant and because of the time period that this little coin was produced, this item is perfect for any Steampunk aficionado on your gifting list.
Don't know what steampunk is?
Its really cool - its a style of art, design and fashion that melds the old and the new - historical and steam powered machinery with advanced technology. Generally it focuses on the turn of the 20th century - the 1900s. Perfect, right?
Want to read more about it? You can take a look at the Wikipedia entry here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk.
Own your own wearable piece of history!
Our Indian Head coin necklaces feature a real circulated United States Indian Head coin which is set in a silver plated bezel. Each coin and bezel comes with a 22" silver plated snake chain that looks great on either a man or a lady. As you can see in the pictures, these brilliant coin necklaces are sure to catch the attention of anyone in the room.
Indian Head Penny Coin Pendan
Our pendants include:
Authentic Indian Head Penny (Random Year 1887-1908)
Silver Plated Bezel To Perfectly Contrast Your Indian Head Coin
22" Silver Plated Snake Chain
1 Velvet Jewelry Bag
If you'd like to purchase your own, they are available here:
Interested in seeing our full line of Coin Jewelry? Check here:
