Indian Head Pennies

The Indian Head Penny was produced from 1859-1909 and was one of the few coins to be used throughout the American Civil War.  The design features the work of US Mint engraver James Longacre and pictures the goddess Liberty on the "heads" side wearing a feather headdress, which was only worn by Native American men.  This is how it became known as the "Indian Head" Penny, despite the historical inaccuracy.  The "tails" side of the coin pictures a wreath of laurel leaves until 1860 when it was replaced with a wreath of oak leaves with a shield at the top.  In 1864, the US Mint was running out of nickel to make new pennies.  US Mint director, James Pollock, recommended using French bronze isntead (95% copper).  The Indian Head Penny was produced by the Philadelphia Mint from the beginning, with the San Francisco Mint joining in during the coin's final two years of production.  The Indian Head Penny was replaced by the Lincoln Penny.