Indian Penny Appraisal

1880 Indian Head Penny (One Cent Coin)

This item is a 1880 United States Indian Head cent, composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc with a standard diameter of 19mm. The coin features the classic profile of Liberty wearing a Native American feathered headdress on the obverse, as designed by James B. Longacre. It is housed in a standard 2x2 white cardboard and mylar coin flip, which is hand-marked with '1880' and a '$2.00' price point. Physically, the coin displays a deep, dark brown chocolate patina indicative of long-term environmental exposure and extensive circulation. The surface shows significant wear, with the finer details of the headdress feathers, the 'LIBERTY' inscription on the headband, and the facial contouring largely smoothed over. There appears to be some surface crusting or possible corrosion, common for copper coins of this era that have not been cleaned or preserved in specialized environments. No mint mark is visible, which is correct for this year as all 1880 cents were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. While no major structural damage like holes or deep gouges are evident from the image, the grade would likely be classified as 'Good' to 'About Good' due to the lack of crisp relief. The craftsmanship represents late 19th-century American industrial minting, intended for daily commerce during the post-Reconstruction era.