Though this is not the first time a US coin sported the image of a non-Native American donning a Native headdress, it is something that adds a lot of intrigue to the coin. The reverse side of the Indian Head Penny is quite basic, and features a wreath surrounding the “one cent” face value.
What’s the value of a 1901 Indian Head cent?
To illustrate the difference this color distinction can make, take a 1901 Indian Head cent graded at MS-65: when graded as Brown in color, the value is $150. When graded as Red-Brown, the value increases to $240.
How did the Indian Head cent get its reverse?
The Flying Eagle design caused production difficulties and the Mint soon looked to replace it. Mint Director James Ross Snowden selected the Indian Head design and chose a laurel wreath for the reverse, that was replaced in 1860 by an oak wreath with a shield.
