Indian Head Penny Coin Pendant
Our fifth blog in the "Get to Know Your Coin" series details the history of the Indian Head Penny. 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 turns one into a wearable piece of history.
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 about 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 in 1877 when a poor economy and little demand for pennies created one of the rarest dates in the series. With the growth of coin-operated machines beginning in the late 19th century, even more pennies were needed, and Indian Head Cent production exceeded 100 million coins 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 the time period when this little coin was produced, this item has a look that works particularly well with Steampunk-inspired styles.
Don't know what Steampunk is?
It's really cool—it's a style of art, design, and fashion that melds the old and the new, combining historical and steam-powered machinery with imagined advanced technology. Much of its visual inspiration comes from the industrial and Victorian eras, making an old Indian Head Penny a natural fit.
Want to read more about it? You can take a look at the Wikipedia article about Steampunk.
Own Your Own Wearable Piece of History
Our Indian Head coin necklaces feature a genuine circulated United States Indian Head Cent set in a silver-plated bezel. Each coin and bezel comes with a 22" silver-plated snake chain.
Indian Head Penny Coin Pendant
Our pendants include:
- Authentic Indian Head Penny (random year from 1887–1908)
- Silver-plated bezel to contrast with the Indian Head coin
- 22" silver-plated snake chain
- Velvet jewelry bag
You can see our Indian Head Cent Coin Necklace.
Interested in seeing our full line of coin jewelry? Explore the CoinCrafters online store.