What are the key dates for Indian head pennies?

The Indian Head cents have a rich history with various designs and key dates. One of the earliest examples is the 1859 Copper-Nickel Indian Head cent with a Laurel Wreath. This particular coin is significant as it marks the debut of the copper-nickel composition for this denomination.

The year 1873 is also significant in the history of Indian Head cents. Two variants from this year are particularly notable: the Closed 3 and the Open 3. The difference lies in the numeral "3" in the date, which appears either closed or open in the design. These variants offer collectors unique options to add to their collections.

The following year, in 1860, saw the introduction of a new variant, the Copper-Nickel Indian Head cent featuring an Oak Wreath with a Shield. This design offered a distinctive look compared to its predecessor. Additionally, another variant from the same year, the 1860 Copper-Nickel Pointed Bust, is also noteworthy.

Moving forward, 1864 saw the minting of two distinct types of Bronze Indian Head cents. The first variant lacked the letter "L" on the ribbon, while the second featured an "L" on the ribbon. These differences in design and mintage make both variants highly collectible.

Another interesting key date is the 1869 Indian Head cent, which is known for the overdate error where the numeral "9" is superimposed over an earlier numeral. This error makes the coin rare and sought-after by collectors.