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The 1889 Indian Head Cent is a noteworthy piece within the long-running and widely collected Indian Head series, which was struck by the United States Mint from 1859 to 1909. This series is known for its elegant design, historical relevance, and transitionary place between early small cents and the modern Lincoln cent. The 1889 issue came during the height of the Gilded Age, a time of rapid industrialization and change in the United States. With over 48 million pieces struck, this date is relatively common in circulated condition but becomes increasingly desirable in higher grades. An Almost Uncirculated (AU) example, such as the one under discussion, offers collectors the charm of an old, lightly handled piece with sharp detail and most of its original mint luster intact.
Designed by James Barton Longacre, the obverse of the 1889 Indian Head Cent features the classic left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, commonly mistaken for a depiction of a Native American. The word “LIBERTY” appears in raised letters across the band of the headdress, and the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves around the top and sides of the portrait. The date “1889” is centered beneath the bust. Longacre’s design, introduced three decades earlier, was meant to combine classical ideals with American symbolism and has remained a favorite among numismatists due to its balanced proportions and timeless visual appeal.
The reverse of the coin maintains the familiar design seen on Indian Head cents from 1860 through the end of the series in 1909. It consists of a wreath of oak leaves tied at the bottom with a ribbon, from which three arrows protrude, symbolizing strength and readiness. At the top center is a Federal shield with vertical stripes, representing the unity of the states. The denomination “ONE CENT” is boldly struck within the wreath. This composition, engraved with intricate detail, offered a fitting reverse to accompany the proud obverse portrait and remained unchanged for the majority of the series' production.
The 1889 Indian Head Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only mint facility producing this denomination that year. No mintmark appears on the coin, in keeping with Philadelphia issues of the era. The mintage for the year was 48,866,025 coins, which ranks it among the more prolific years in the series. As such, the 1889 is readily available in lower circulated grades and makes frequent appearances in date sets and beginner collections. However, well-struck, eye-appealing examples in AU or higher become increasingly scarce, especially those with original surfaces and natural color.
Each 1889 Indian Head Cent was struck in a bronze alloy consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. The coin has a diameter of 19 mm, a plain edge, and weighs 3.11 grams. This composition had been in use since 1864 when it replaced the earlier copper-nickel alloy. The softer bronze allowed for better striking of details and improved the overall consistency of the coins, making them more attractive to collectors and more practical for commerce. The color of these coins when freshly struck was a bright red, which gradually tones over time to brown or red-brown, depending on storage conditions and handling.
An Almost Uncirculated 1889 Indian Head Cent is characterized by minimal wear confined to the highest points of the design, such as Liberty’s cheek and hair curls or the tips of the feathers. The coin still retains most of its original luster, especially in protected areas near the devices and legends. AU grades typically range from AU50 to AU58, with AU58 being very close in appearance to a Mint State coin. Collectors appreciate AU examples for offering nearly the same eye appeal as uncirculated coins, but at a more accessible price point. This makes the AU 1889 Indian Head Cent especially popular among type collectors and enthusiasts assembling high-grade date sets.
The 1889 Indian Head Cent does not feature any major recognized varieties or errors, though minor repunched dates or die cracks may occasionally appear under magnification. Because it is such a widely collected series, the market for this coin is active, and even subtle differences in color, strike, and surface preservation can influence value. Collectors often seek examples that retain natural red or red-brown coloring, as well as those certified by third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC, which help confirm authenticity and assign consistent condition assessments.
In terms of market value, an 1889 Indian Head Cent in AU condition typically ranges from $40 to $75, depending on the specific grade and visual quality. Coins with original red-brown color and minimal marks can command premiums at the higher end of this range or beyond. Certified AU58 examples, particularly those in secure holders with positive eye appeal, are prized for bridging the gap between circulated and Mint State categories. For collectors on a budget or those preferring “near-uncirculated” coins with some history in hand, the AU 1889 offers a perfect balance of affordability, attractiveness, and historical interest.
Historically, 1889 was a dynamic year in American life. It marked the formal admission of four new U.S. states—North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Washington—into the Union, and it was an age of westward expansion, urbanization, and industrial might. Against this backdrop, the Indian Head Cent circulated widely in everyday commerce, used in transactions across saloons, general stores, train stations, and factories. Holding one today provides a tangible connection to that formative time in American economic and social development. The 1889 coin, in particular, would have been produced just before the Chicago World’s Fair and during the Gilded Age, adding historical depth to its appeal.
In conclusion, the 1889 Indian Head Cent in Almost Uncirculated condition is a beautiful and historically rich coin from one of the most beloved U.S. copper series. With its elegant design by Longacre, high mintage from the Philadelphia Mint, and enduring composition in bronze, it stands as a representative piece of late 19th-century American coinage. Its AU grade offers collectors a premium look at a competitive value, combining sharp detail with gentle evidence of circulation. Whether part of a complete Indian Head set or appreciated as a standalone type coin, the 1889 AU cent continues to charm and educate generations of collectors.