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Indian Head Cent

Indian Head Cent 1890-1909: Final Years and Branch-Mint Issues

Indian Head Cent 1890-1909: Final Years and Branch-Mint Issues

This final era covers the late Philadelphia production, the first branch-mint Indian Head cent in 1908, and the 1909 Philadelphia and San Francisco issues that closed the series as the Lincoln cent debuted.

Indian Head cent guide navigation

Jump to year: 1890 · 1891 · 1892 · 1893 · 1894 · 1895 · 1896 · 1897 · 1898 · 1899 · 1900 · 1901 · 1902 · 1903 · 1904 · 1905 · 1906 · 1907 · 1908 · 1909

Design and identification foundation

Mint dates: 1859-1909

Design

James Barton Longacre, chief engraver of the United States Mint, designed the Indian Head cent. The obverse depicts Liberty facing left in a feathered headdress. The 1859 reverse uses a laurel wreath; from 1860 through 1909 the reverse uses an oak-and-olive wreath with arrows and a federal shield. Copper-nickel cents were struck from 1859 into 1864, followed by bronze cents through the end of the series. San Francisco struck the only branch-mint issues in 1908 and 1909.

Key design details

Varieties

Every entry follows the same collector workflow: named variety, Do You Have One? What To Look For, catalog references, and an original CoinHunt inspection map. Structure is deliberate so collectors can compare one diagnostic at a time.

1890

1890 TDO FS-101 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is tripled toward the edge.

Catalog references: NGC FS-101; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-010.85; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1890 TDO FS-101 1C MS DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1890 MPD FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The flag of a numeral 1 protrudes from Liberty’s neck just above the pearls.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-010.82; Snow S-3. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1890 MPD FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1890 MPD FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Within the denticles beneath numeral 9 of the date is the top of either a 9 or 0.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-010.84; Snow S-6. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1890 MPD FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1891

1891 DDO FS-101 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for doubling visible on “LIBERTY” and towards the rim on “OF AMERICA”.

Catalog references: NGC FS-101; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-010.88; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1891 DDO FS-101 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1891/1891 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Repunching on all digits of the date to the north.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-010.87; Snow S-3; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1891/1891 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1891 DDR VP-003 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The right side of the wreath is distinctly doubled.

Catalog references: NGC VP-003; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1891 DDR VP-003 1C MS DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1892

1892/8-2 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 8 and 2 of the date are repunched, the earlier impression appearing to the east.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-010.89; Snow S-8. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1892/8-2 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1892 89/89 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 89 are repunched, the first impression north of the final date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-010.9; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1892 89/89 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1892 “SCARFACE” FS-401 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Deep criss-crossing scratches appears as raised lines on Liberty’s cheek.

Catalog references: NGC FS-401; Snow S-14. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1892 "SCARFACE" FS-401 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1893

1893 89/89 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 89 are repunched, the first impression being east of the final date. Numeral 3 is faintly repunched, too, but may not be visible.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-010.95; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1893 89/89 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1893/3 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 3 was repunched south of the first impression. A heavy die-clashing is visible above it.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-11. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1893/3 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1894

1894/1894 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched west and clockwise to the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1894/1894 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1894 MPD FS-402 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The tops of numerals 9 and 4 are visible within the denticles beneath the corresponding portion of the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-402; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.2; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1894 MPD FS-402 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1895

1895/895 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched to the west of the first impression, though no doubling is visible on the 1.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.3; Snow S-20; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1895/895 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1895/1895 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Repunching on the “1895” to the east of the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.31; Snow S-9; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1895/1895 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1895/895 VP-003 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 895 were repunched west of the first impressions.

Catalog references: NGC VP-003; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1895/895 VP-003 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1895/895 VP-004 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 895 were repunched, and this is most evident on the 5.

Catalog references: NGC VP-004; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1895/895 VP-004 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1895/895 VP-005 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched west of its first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-005; Snow S-8. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1895/895 VP-005 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1896

1896/6 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 6 is repunched, the first impression being to the east of the final date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.4; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1896/6 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1896/6 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched east of the first impression, with the previous 6 visible within the final 6.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-4. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1896/6 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1896/6 VP-002 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Repunching of the date is visible within the loops of the 6 and on the ball of the 9.

Catalog references: NGC VP-002; Snow S-11. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1896/6 VP-002 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1897

1897/1897 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched east of its first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-6. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1897/1897 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1897/1897 VP-002 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched west of its first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-002; Snow S-10. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1897/1897 VP-002 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1897 MPD FS-401 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

An errant numeral 1 is embedded in the front of Liberty’s neck at the string of pearls.

Catalog references: NGC FS-401; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.5; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1897 MPD FS-401 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1897 89/89 FS-402 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 89 are repunched, the earlier impression appearing slightly to the south.

Catalog references: NGC FS-402; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.6; Snow S-8. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1897 89/89 FS-402 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1898

1898/898 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched counterclockwise from the first impression, and this is most visible on numerals 898.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-23. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1898/898 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1898/98 MPD VP-002 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The tops of numerals 18 are visible within the denticles below the corresponding numerals of the date.

Catalog references: NGC VP-002; Snow S-15. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1898/98 MPD VP-002 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1898 MPD FS-401 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of a numeral 8 is evident within the denticles beneath the second 8 of the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-401; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.65; Snow S-12. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1898 MPD FS-401 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1898 MPD FS-402 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of a numeral 9 appears within the denticles beneath its corresponding portion of the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-402; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.66; Snow S-13. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1898 MPD FS-402 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1899

1899/1899 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched west of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.7; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1899/1899 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1899 9/9 CHIPPED 9 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The second 9 is chipped at the upper part of its loop. The first 9 is very faintly repunched at its upper right.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Snow S-13. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1899 9/9 CHIPPED 9 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1899/1–9 FS-303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was first punched slanting upward from left to right. A second, near-level impression, created the doubling of the 1 and the second 9.

Catalog references: NGC FS-303; Snow S-9. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1899/1--9 FS-303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1899/899 VP-002 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched west of its first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-002; Snow S-Unlisted?. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1899/899 VP-002 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1899/9 VP-003 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The second 9 was repunched.

Catalog references: NGC VP-003; Snow S-32. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1899/9 VP-003 1C MS DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1900

1900/0 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The second numeral 0 is doubled above and to the right.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.751; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1900/0 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1900/9-0 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 9 and the second 0 are repunched, the first impression evidently slanting upward from left to right.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Snow S-3. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1900/9-0 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1900 90/90 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched east of the first impression, with the earlier numerals 90 still visible.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-4. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1900 90/90 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1901

1901/1–1 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Both numerals 1 are repunched, the first being doubled to the south and the second to the north.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Snow S-19. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1901/1--1 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1901/1901 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched faintly north of the first impression. The repunching is most visible on numerals 190.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-4. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1901/1901 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1902

1902 EYE GOUGE FS-401 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for a deep gash in the die appears as a raised arrowhead underneath Liberty’s eye.

Catalog references: NGC FS-401; Snow S-4. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1902 EYE GOUGE FS-401 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1903

1903 MPD FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The tops of three numerals appear within the denticles beneath 190 of the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.76; Snow S-10. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1903 MPD FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1903 MPD FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of a numeral 0 appears within the denticles below and to the right of the 0 in the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.765; Snow S-6. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1903 MPD FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1903 1/1 FS-303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 1 shows repunching at both its flag and base.

Catalog references: NGC FS-303; Snow S-7a, -7b. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1903 1/1 FS-303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1903/1903 FS-304 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date is repunched, the first impression being visible to the southeast.

Catalog references: NGC FS-304; Snow S-3. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1903/1903 FS-304 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1903 19/19 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched clockwise to its first impression, with doubling visible at the bottoms of numerals 19.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-21. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1903 19/19 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1904

1904/1-04 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The first date was punched slanting upward from left to right. The second date impression was more level, with the pivot point being at numeral 9, the only one to not show doubling.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Snow S-10. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1904/1-04 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1905

1905/5 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 5 is repunched, the earlier impression being directly to the south.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1905/5 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1906

1906/06 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 06 are repunched, the first impression being to the south. Numeral 9 is faintly repunched, but this is rarely visible.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Snow S-7. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1906/06 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1906 0/0 MPD FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 0 was repunched, the first impression being slightly to the south. Also visible are the tops of two numerals within the denticles below 06.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Snow S-14. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1906 0/0 MPD FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1906/190 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 190 are repunched slightly clockwise from the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1906/190 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1906 MPD VP-002 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of an errant 0 is visible within the denticles below and slightly left of the 0 in the date.

Catalog references: NGC VP-002; Snow S-6. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1906 MPD VP-002 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1906 MPD VP-003 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of a numeral 6 is visible within the denticles below numeral 06 of the date.

Catalog references: NGC VP-003; Snow S-27. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1906 MPD VP-003 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1907

1907/907 MPD FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 907 are repunched, the earlier impression being to the south. Also faintly visible is a portion of a misplaced numeral within the denticles beneath 0.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1907/907 MPD FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1907 90/90 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 90 were sharply repunched, the earlier impression being north of the final date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1907 90/90 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1907/190 FS-303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Repunching of numerals 190 is evident to the southeast.

Catalog references: NGC FS-303; Snow S-20. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1907/190 FS-303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1907 90/90 FS-304 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Previously punched numerals are visible within the 90 of the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-304; Snow S-27. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1907 90/90 FS-304 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1907 MPD VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The tops of duplicate numerals 07 are evident within the denticles.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-51. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1907 MPD VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1907/1907 VP-002 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched counterclockwise to the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-002; Snow S-4. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1907/1907 VP-002 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1907/07 VP-003 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched counterclockwise, with doubling visible at the bottoms of numerals 07.

Catalog references: NGC VP-003; Snow S-9. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1907/07 VP-003 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1908

1908 branch-mint milestone

The 1908-S Indian Head cent was the first coin in the series struck outside Philadelphia. The S mintmark appears on the reverse below the wreath. It is a regular issue rather than an error, but its branch-mint status makes it essential to a complete date-and-mint set. Confirm the mintmark’s style, placement, wear, and surrounding surface before buying a raw example; added mintmarks and disturbed fields require expert authentication.

1908-S Indian Head Cent

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Turn to the reverse and inspect the field below the wreath for an S mintmark. A genuine 1908-S is a 3.11-gram bronze cent with the mintmark formed as part of the strike; its wear, color, luster, and surface texture should agree with the surrounding coin. Seams, depressions, disturbed color, or tooling around the S can indicate an added mintmark. This was the first San Francisco-struck cent and had a mintage of 1,115,000. [4]

Catalog references: PCGS #2232 (BN), #2233 (RB), and #2234 (RD). PCGS CoinFacts record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1908-S Indian Head cent ONE CENT S INSPECT S below reverse wreath Check style, placement, wear, color and surface for an added mintmark

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm valuable raw examples with a certified reference.

1908-S/S Repunched Mintmark FS-501, Snow-1

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

First confirm a genuine 1908-S Indian Head cent. Under magnification, inspect the S below the reverse wreath for a second mintmark impression. The raised secondary curves must match the documented S/S geometry; do not mistake strike doubling, a hit, corrosion, or displaced metal from an added mintmark for an RPM. [5]

Catalog references: PCGS FS-501; Snow S-1; PCGS #412809. PCGS CoinFacts record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1908-S/S FS-501 S S INSPECT secondary S impression Match the complete RPM shape to a certified FS-501 reference

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. The offset is explanatory, not a substitute for certified die matching.

1908 MPD FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of a duplicated date is visible within the denticles below the actual date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.77; Snow S-4. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1908 MPD FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1908 MPD FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The tops of two extra numerals appears within the denticles below and to the left of 08 in the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-011.79; Snow S-9. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1908 MPD FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1908 9/9 VP-001 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 9 was repunched.

Catalog references: NGC VP-001; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1908 9/9 VP-001 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1909

1909 series finale

Both Philadelphia and San Francisco struck Indian Head cents in 1909 before the Lincoln cent replaced the design. The 1909-S is the lower-mintage final branch-mint issue and must not be confused with the separate 1909-S or 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents. On an Indian Head cent the S is below the reverse wreath; on a Lincoln cent it is below the obverse date. Valuable raw examples warrant professional authentication because an added S can turn an ordinary Philadelphia coin into an apparent rarity.

1909 INDIAN 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

This simply distinguishes 1909 Indian Head Cents from those of the Lincoln type.

Catalog references: NGC-listed type or subtype. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1909 INDIAN 1C MS DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1909 S INDIAN 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

This simply distinguishes 1909-S Indian Head Cents from those of the Lincoln type.

Catalog references: NGC-listed type or subtype. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1909 S INDIAN 1C MS DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

Errors

Mint errors are production accidents, not repeating die varieties. The classes below are documented on Indian Head cents in certified collections and specialist literature; they are presented as error classes because individual dates and strike combinations vary. Damage, cleaning, corrosion, plating, glue, and altered dates are not Mint errors.

Off-center strike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Part of the design is missing and an unstruck crescent remains because the planchet was not centered between the dies. Measure the approximate percentage off center and note whether the date remains visible.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Off-center strike DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Broadstrike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The coin spread beyond its normal diameter because the retaining collar did not contain the metal during the strike. Look for a wider, irregular rim while the complete central design remains present.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Broadstrike DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Double or multiple strike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A second or later strike created separated, overlapping design elements. Genuine examples show coherent repeated design, sometimes with the later strike off center or after the coin flipped.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Double or multiple strike DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Flipover double strike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

One strike was followed by another after the coin turned over. Look for overlapping obverse and reverse design in opposing orientation rather than random flattened damage.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Flipover double strike DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Brockage

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A previously struck coin remained in the press and transferred an incuse, mirror-image impression to the next coin. The brockage must be recessed and reversed relative to the normal raised design.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Brockage DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Indent

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Another blank or planchet partly overlapped the coin during striking, leaving a smooth, curved unstruck recess. The boundary should follow the edge of the overlapping planchet.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Indent DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Die cap / capped-die strike-through

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A coin stuck to a die and formed a cap, either becoming cup-shaped itself or producing later coins with distorted, ghostlike design. Confirm the shape and metal flow rather than relying on weak detail alone.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Die cap / capped-die strike-through DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Wrong planchet or off-metal strike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The cent design was struck on a planchet intended for another denomination or metal. Diameter, weight, composition, edge, and design fit must agree; plating is not a Mint error.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Wrong planchet or off-metal strike DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Clipped planchet

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A curved or straight segment is missing because the coin blank was cut from an overlapping or edge position in the metal strip. Look for compatible metal flow and a weakened rim opposite the clip.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Clipped planchet DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Lamination or split planchet

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A flaw in the planchet alloy caused metal to peel, separate, or split. Genuine lamination follows the metal and should not look like a gouge, corrosion pit, or peeled plating.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Lamination or split planchet DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Struck-through

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Foreign material came between a die and the planchet, leaving an impressed texture or missing design. A retained struck-through keeps the object; most examples retain only its impression.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Struck-through DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

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Sources

  1. NGC VarietyPlus: Indian Cents (1859-1909). NGC. Catalog list, cross-references, and diagnostics accessed September 25, 2026.
  2. PCGS: The Popular Off-Center Strike. PCGS. Off-center strike definition and identification.
  3. PCGS: The Two Types of Struck-Through Error Coins. PCGS. Struck-through and retained struck-through definitions.
  4. Indian Cent Mint Error Collection. Mint Error News. Certified Indian cent examples of broadstrikes, multiple strikes, off-center strikes, brockages, indents, capped-die strikes, and wrong-planchet errors.
  5. 1859 Indian Head cent obverse die cap. Coin World. Documented 1859 die-cap example.

Editorial boundary: NGC is credited for its catalog and diagnostic research. CoinHunt does not reproduce NGC photographs. The SVG inspection maps are original educational schematics and are not substitutes for certified comparison images.

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