5 Most Counterfeited Indian Head Pennies You Should Know About

In the world of numismatics, coin collectors and enthusiasts are always on the lookout for rare and unique pieces that could potentially add great value to their collections. Among the many coin series that attract attention, Indian Head Pennies are particularly beloved due to their intricate design and historical significance. However, with great value comes the risk of counterfeiting. This article will delve into the 5 Most Counterfeited Indian Head Pennies 🍲 you should be aware of when collecting or dealing with these coins.

The Famous 1877 🔍

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Indian+Head+Penny+1877" alt="1877 Indian Head Penny"> </div>

The 1877 Indian Head Penny is one of the most sought-after coins in the series due to its low mintage. This penny, with its iconic Indian head design, often falls prey to counterfeiters:

• Why it's counterfeited: The 1877 penny is considered a key date because of its rarity, making it a prime target for fakes.
• How to identify fakes: Check for die variations, particularly around the Indian's head and the date. The 7 in 1877 should be noticeably different from its neighbors. Look for details like correct feather sizes and the exact shape of the ear.

The 1909-S 🔍

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Indian+Head+Penny+1909+S" alt="1909-S Indian Head Penny"> </div>

The 1909-S Indian Head Penny is infamous not just for its rarity but for the potential for counterfeit versions:

• Why it's counterfeited: Being the last year of the Indian Head Penny's production and one of the lowest mintages at San Francisco Mint, it holds significant collector value.
• How to identify fakes: Examine the 'S' mintmark carefully; it should be clear and well-defined. Also, look for the correct placement and font style of the date and the mintmark.

The Double Die Obverse Varieties 🔍

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Indian+Head+Penny+Double+Die" alt="Double Die Obverse Indian Head Penny"> </div>

Indian Head Pennies with Double Die Obverse (DDO) variations, especially from 1859 to 1864, are highly prized:

• Why they're counterfeited: Double Die errors make these coins exceptionally rare and valuable, attracting counterfeiters.
• How to identify fakes: Detailed inspection is key. Look for the doubling effect on the obverse features like the date, LIBERTY, and the headdress. The doubling should be consistent and clear.

The 1859 Indian Head Penny 🔍

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=1859+Indian+Head+Penny" alt="1859 Indian Head Penny"> </div>

The 1859 Indian Head Penny marked the beginning of this iconic series and has several unique features:

• Why it's counterfeited: This penny is the first year of issue, making it historically significant. Counterfeiters often replicate the high demand pieces from this date.
• How to identify fakes: Pay attention to the wreath details, the shape of the letters, and the '5' in the date, which should be a slanted figure with a short serif.

The 1872 Indian Head Penny 🔍

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=1872+Indian+Head+Penny" alt="1872 Indian Head Penny"> </div>

Known for its scarcity, the 1872 Indian Head Penny is often counterfeited:

• Why it's counterfeited: Another low-mintage year, collectors prize this penny, making it a target for counterfeiters.
• How to identify fakes: Look for specific characteristics like the spacing between the date digits, the shape of the Indian's ear, and the details on the feather ends.

When collecting Indian Head Pennies, vigilance is key. Here are some general tips for identifying counterfeits:

<p class="pro-note">🔍 Note: Always use a magnifying glass or digital loupe to closely examine details.</p>

• Check for the correct font and spacing of the date and inscriptions.
• Inspect for wear patterns: Coins with unnatural wear are often counterfeits, especially if the reverse is less worn than the obverse.
• Verify the color and patina: Genuine Indian Head Pennies often have a consistent color and age appropriate patina, whereas counterfeit coins might lack this or show inconsistent coloring.
• Weight and sound test: The coin should weigh correctly for its denomination and produce a clear, metallic sound when struck.

This hobby and the coins themselves embody a piece of history, making each coin not just a piece of metal but a testament to an era. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a new collector, understanding the nuances between genuine and counterfeit Indian Head Pennies is crucial to safeguard your collection.

This exploration of the 5 Most Counterfeited Indian Head Pennies you should know about provides valuable insights into the challenges collectors face. By keeping these points in mind, you can enhance your collection's authenticity and value, preserving the rich history these coins represent for future generations to appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Indian Head Pennies:

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What makes Indian Head Pennies so collectible?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Indian Head Pennies are collectible due to their historical significance, iconic design, and the presence of key date coins that are rare due to low mintage.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I tell if an Indian Head Penny is counterfeit?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Look for inconsistencies in die details, unnatural wear patterns, incorrect font or spacing, and improper weight or sound when dropped on a hard surface.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are the key dates for Indian Head Pennies?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Some key date Indian Head Pennies include the 1877, 1872, 1909-S, and 1859 with the 'Double Die Obverse' variations.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Where can I learn more about grading Indian Head Pennies?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Books, coin collecting forums, and professional grading services like PCGS or NGC provide extensive resources on grading Indian Head Pennies.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>