Filed Under History & Culture

Vintage U.S. Coins; 1909 Indian Head Penny & 1857 Flying Eagle Cent

This artifact includes two old U.S. coins: a 1909 Indian Head Cent and an 1857 Flying Eagle Cent. These coins represent early American currency and show how money has changed over time. The 1857 coin is especially important because it was one of the first small cents made in the U.S., replacing larger coins. The 1909 Indian Head penny is also significant because it was one of the last years that design was made before switching to the Lincoln penny. These coins show the history of U.S. money and how designs and materials evolved.

ID: The 1909 Indian Head penny shows a Native American figure wearing a feathered headdress on the front, with the year "1909." The 1857 Flying Eagle cent shows an eagle in flight on one side. Both coins are small, copper-colored, and have detailed designs that reflect the time period they were made in.

Physical Dimensions: The diameter of the 1909 Indian Head Penny is 19.00 mm (about 0.748 inches) and it weighs 3.11 grams. The 1857 Flying Eagle Cent has a diameter of 19.00 mm (about 0.748 inches) and weighs 4.67-4.70 grams.

Metadata

United States Mint, “Vintage U.S. Coins; 1909 Indian Head Penny & 1857 Flying Eagle Cent,” Aegis Digital Museum, accessed July 17, 2026, https://aegisdigitalmuseum.kennesaw.edu/items/show/303.