1907 One Cent US: The Uncommon Gem For Collectors!

What is a 1907 one cent US coin?

The 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, is a one-cent coin that was struck by the United States Mint from 1859 to 1909. It was designed by James B. Longacre and features a Native American head on the obverse and a wreath of wheat on the reverse.

The 1907 Indian Head penny is made of copper and weighs 4.7 grams. It has a diameter of 19 millimeters and a thickness of 1.5 millimeters.

The 1907 Indian Head penny is a popular coin among collectors. It is a relatively common coin, but it can be valuable depending on its condition.

Importance and Benefits

The 1907 Indian Head penny is an important coin in US history. It was the first one-cent coin to feature a Native American head on the obverse. It is also one of the most popular coins among collectors.

The 1907 Indian Head penny has several benefits. It is a relatively common coin, so it is easy to find. It is also a popular coin among collectors, so it can be valuable depending on its condition.

Historical Context

The 1907 Indian Head penny was struck during a time of great change in the United States. The country was rapidly expanding westward, and the Native American population was being displaced from their traditional lands.

The Indian Head penny was a symbol of the changing times. It was a reminder of the Native American population that had once been the dominant force in the country.

Personal Details and Bio Data

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The 1907 Indian Head penny is a fascinating coin with a rich history. It is a popular coin among collectors and a valuable piece of Americana.

1907 one cent US

The 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, is a significant piece of American history. It is one of the most popular coins among collectors and a valuable piece of Americana. Here are eight key aspects of the 1907 one cent US:

• Obverse: Features a Native American head.
• Reverse: Depicts a wreath of wheat.
• Composition: Made of copper.
• Weight: 4.7 grams.
• Diameter: 19 millimeters.
• Thickness: 1.5 millimeters.
• Designer: James B. Longacre.
• Mintage: 123,071,000.

These key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of the 1907 one cent US. They highlight the coin's physical characteristics, its designer, and its mintage. By understanding these aspects, collectors and enthusiasts can better appreciate the significance and value of this iconic coin.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, features a Native American head. This design was chosen to represent the indigenous people of the United States and to symbolize the country's westward expansion.

• Historical Context: The use of a Native American head on the obverse of the coin reflects theprevailing attitudes towards Native Americans. They were seen as noble savages, and theirwas used to represent the country's frontier spirit.
• Symbolism: The Native American head on the coin is a powerful symbol of the country's history and its relationship with Native Americans.
• Artistic Merit: The Native American head on the coin is a well-executed and aesthetically pleasing design. It is one of the most iconic coin designs in US history.
• Collectability: The 1907 Indian Head penny is a popular coin among collectors. It is a relatively common coin, but it can be valuable depending on its condition.

The Native American head on the obverse of the 1907 one cent US coin is a significant design element. It reflects the country's history, its relationship with Native Americans, and its artistic heritage.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, depicts a wreath of wheat. This design was chosen to represent the agricultural heritage of the United States and to symbolize the country's prosperity.

• Historical Context: The use of a wreath of wheat on the reverse of the coin reflects the importance of agriculture in the United States. In the late 19th century, the country was a major producer of wheat, and the grain was a symbol of the country's economic strength.
• Symbolism: The wreath of wheat on the coin is a powerful symbol of the country's agricultural heritage. It represents the hard work and dedication of farmers and the bounty of the land.
• Artistic Merit: The wreath of wheat on the coin is a well-executed and aesthetically pleasing design. It is a simple yet elegant design that is instantly recognizable.
• Collectability: The 1907 Indian Head penny is a popular coin among collectors. It is a relatively common coin, but it can be valuable depending on its condition.

The wreath of wheat on the reverse of the 1907 one cent US coin is a significant design element. It reflects the country's agricultural heritage, its economic strength, and its artistic heritage.

3. Composition

The composition of the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, the use of copper gave the coin a distinctive reddish-brown color. This color helped to distinguish the penny from other coins in circulation at the time, such as the nickel and the dime. The copper composition also made the coin more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Secondly, the use of copper was a cost-effective measure. Copper was a relatively inexpensive metal, which helped to keep the cost of producing the coin low. This was important, as the penny was intended to be a low-value coin that could be used for everyday transactions.

Thirdly, the use of copper had a practical significance. Copper is a good conductor of electricity, which made the coin ideal for use in early vending machines and other automated devices.

Overall, the composition of the 1907 one cent US coin was an important factor in its design and use. The use of copper gave the coin its distinctive color, durability, and cost-effectiveness, and it also made the coin suitable for use in early vending machines and other automated devices.

4. Weight

The weight of the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, is 4.7 grams. This weight is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, the weight of the coin helps to ensure its durability and longevity. A heavier coin is less likely to be damaged or worn down over time. This is important for a coin that is intended to be used for everyday transactions.

Secondly, the weight of the coin helps to distinguish it from other coins in circulation at the time. The penny was the smallest and lightest coin in circulation, which helped to prevent it from being confused with other coins.

Thirdly, the weight of the coin is a factor in its value. Heavier coins are generally worth more than lighter coins, as they contain more metal. This is especially true for coins made of precious metals, such as gold or silver.

Overall, the weight of the 1907 one cent US coin is an important factor in its design and use. The weight of the coin helps to ensure its durability, longevity, and value.

In addition to the reasons listed above, the weight of the coin also has a practical significance. The weight of the coin is a factor in its use in vending machines and other automated devices. A coin that is too light may not be able to activate the device, while a coin that is too heavy may cause the device to malfunction.

Understanding the connection between the weight of the coin and its use is important for collectors and enthusiasts. It can help them to better appreciate the design and use of the coin, and it can also help them to make informed decisions about which coins to collect.

5. Diameter

The diameter of the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, is 19 millimeters. This diameter is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, the diameter of the coin helps to ensure its durability and longevity. A larger coin is less likely to be damaged or worn down over time. This is important for a coin that is intended to be used for everyday transactions.

Secondly, the diameter of the coin helps to distinguish it from other coins in circulation at the time. The penny was the smallest and lightest coin in circulation, which helped to prevent it from being confused with other coins.

Thirdly, the diameter of the coin is a factor in its value. Larger coins are generally worth more than smaller coins, as they contain more metal. This is especially true for coins made of precious metals, such as gold or silver.

Overall, the diameter of the 1907 one cent US coin is an important factor in its design and use. The diameter of the coin helps to ensure its durability, longevity, and value.

In addition to the reasons listed above, the diameter of the coin also has a practical significance. The diameter of the coin is a factor in its use in vending machines and other automated devices. A coin that is too small may not be able to activate the device, while a coin that is too large may cause the device to malfunction.

Understanding the connection between the diameter of the coin and its use is important for collectors and enthusiasts. It can help them to better appreciate the design and use of the coin, and it can also help them to make informed decisions about which coins to collect.

6. Thickness

The thickness of the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, is 1.5 millimeters. This thickness is significant for several reasons.

Firstly, the thickness of the coin helps to ensure its durability and longevity. A thicker coin is less likely to be damaged or worn down over time. This is important for a coin that is intended to be used for everyday transactions.

Secondly, the thickness of the coin helps to distinguish it from other coins in circulation at the time. The penny was the smallest and lightest coin in circulation, which helped to prevent it from being confused with other coins.

Thirdly, the thickness of the coin is a factor in its value. Thicker coins are generally worth more than thinner coins, as they contain more metal. This is especially true for coins made of precious metals, such as gold or silver.

Overall, the thickness of the 1907 one cent US coin is an important factor in its design and use. The thickness of the coin helps to ensure its durability, longevity, and value.

In addition to the reasons listed above, the thickness of the coin also has a practical significance. The thickness of the coin is a factor in its use in vending machines and other automated devices. A coin that is too thin may not be able to activate the device, while a coin that is too thick may cause the device to malfunction.

Understanding the connection between the thickness of the coin and its use is important for collectors and enthusiasts. It can help them to better appreciate the design and use of the coin, and it can also help them to make informed decisions about which coins to collect.

7. Designer

James B. Longacre was a renowned engraver and designer who played a pivotal role in the creation of the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny. His artistic vision and technical skills left an indelible mark on this iconic piece of American currency.

• Artistic Style: Longacre's artistic style was characterized by its realism and attention to detail. He meticulously studied Native American artifacts and consulted with experts to ensure the accuracy of the Indian Head design on the obverse of the coin.
• Technical Proficiency: Longacre was a master engraver, and his technical skills are evident in the intricate details of the Indian Head penny. The coin's sharp lines and raised relief create a sense of depth and dimension, showcasing Longacre's exceptional craftsmanship.
• Legacy and Influence: The Indian Head penny designed by Longacre became one of the most popular and recognizable coins in US history. Its design has been praised for its beauty and symbolism, and it continues to inspire coin collectors and enthusiasts to this day.
• Historical Context: The Indian Head penny was introduced during a period of significant change and westward expansion in the United States. Longacre's design captured the spirit of the times, honoring the Native American heritage while also symbolizing the country's progress and development.

James B. Longacre's contributions to the 1907 one cent US coin are undeniable. His artistic vision, technical proficiency, and deep understanding of the historical context resulted in a coin that is not only beautiful but also deeply symbolic. The Indian Head penny stands as a testament to Longacre's legacy as one of the most influential coin designers in American history.

8. Mintage

The mintage of 123,071,000 for the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, is a significant figure that provides insights into the coin's production, distribution, and historical context.

• Production Capacity: The high mintage figure indicates that the US Mint had the capacity to produce a substantial number of coins to meet the demands of the growing population and economy.
• Circulation and Demand: The large mintage suggests that the Indian Head penny was widely circulated and used in everyday transactions. It was an essential part of the monetary system and played a vital role in facilitating commerce.
• Historical Context: The high mintage figure reflects the economic prosperity and industrial growth of the United States in the early 20th century. The country was experiencing a period of rapid expansion and development, and the Indian Head penny was a symbol of this progress.
• Collector Interest: The high mintage figure has implications for coin collectors. While the Indian Head penny is a common coin, certain varieties and condition rarities can be valuable. Collectors are always interested in acquiring high-quality specimens to add to their collections.

In conclusion, the mintage of 123,071,000 for the 1907 one cent US coin is a testament to its widespread use, production capacity, and historical significance. It provides valuable insights into the monetary system, economic conditions, and collecting trends of the early 20th century United States.

FAQs about 1907 One Cent US Coin

This section addresses frequently asked questions about the 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What is the significance of the Indian Head design on the coin's obverse?

Answer: The Indian Head design represents the indigenous people of the United States. It symbolizes the country's westward expansion and its relationship with Native Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Question 2: Why is the coin made of copper?

Answer: Copper was used in the production of the Indian Head penny due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and resistance to wear and tear. Copper is also a good conductor of electricity, making the coin suitable for use in early vending machines.

Question 3: What factors contributed to the high mintage of 123,071,000 coins in 1907?

Answer: The high mintage figure reflects the growing population and economy of the United States in the early 20th century. It indicates the US Mint's capacity to produce a substantial number of coins to meet the demands of commerce and circulation.

Question 4: Is the Indian Head penny a valuable coin for collectors?

Answer: While the Indian Head penny is a common coin, certain varieties and condition rarities can be valuable to collectors. Factors such as mint errors, die variations, and exceptional preservation can increase the coin's worth.

Question 5: What is the historical context surrounding the Indian Head penny?

Answer: The Indian Head penny was introduced during a period of significant change and westward expansion in the United States. Its design captured the spirit of the times, honoring the Native American heritage while also symbolizing the country's progress and development.

In conclusion, the FAQs provide essential information about the 1907 one cent US coin, its design, production, and historical significance. Understanding these aspects enhances the appreciation and knowledge of this iconic piece of American currency.

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The 1907 Indian Head penny remains a popular and fascinating subject for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its unique design, historical context, and variations continue to captivate numismatists and provide valuable insights into the monetary system and cultural landscape of the early 20th century United States.

Conclusion

The 1907 one cent US coin, also known as the Indian Head penny, stands as a testament to the artistic vision, technical proficiency, and historical context that shaped American coinage in the early 20th century. Its unique design, featuring a Native American head on the obverse and a wreath of wheat on the reverse, captured the spirit of the times and symbolized the country's westward expansion and economic prosperity.

The high mintage of 123,071,000 coins reflects the US Mint's production capacity and the widespread use of the Indian Head penny in everyday transactions. Its composition of copper ensured durability and cost-effectiveness, making it a practical and reliable medium of exchange.

While the Indian Head penny is a common coin, certain varieties and condition rarities hold value for collectors. Its historical significance, artistic merit, and enduring popularity continue to make it a cherished piece of Americana. The 1907 one cent US coin serves as a reminder of the nation's rich history, its relationship with Native Americans, and its ongoing fascination with numismatics.