The Indian Head penny has always had a special place in the hearts of Americans. Originally minted from 1859 to 1909 at the Philadelphia Mint, the coin featured a Native American wearing a feather bonnet. His bonnet had the word “Liberty” engraved in the band. The reverse initially had a laurel wreath in the center, but in 1860 the design was modified to host an oak wreath bound together with a ribbon. In the ribbon were three arrows, and in the background the shield of the U.S. peeked out from behind the wreath.
One hundred years later, this penny is all but extinct. However, there are some gold plated pennies on the market that are attractive keepsakes that serve as a memento of this important piece of numismatic history.
These gold plated pennies, originally struck in copper, with some nickel mixed in, have been dipped in 24k gold to create appealing gift items, such as lucky golf markers, pendant necklaces, cufflinks, money clips and more. Fans of this Indian Head penny have found unlimited possibilities in their creations! You can find many of these gift items on eBay or dealer websites, or possibly at craft fairs and coin shows.