07/22/2026
This 1905 Indian Head Cent has been certified Proof 63 Red Brown (PR63RB) with beautiful original surfaces and subtle rainbow toning.
Designed by James Barton Longacre, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.
Interestingly, the portrait isn't actually a Native American chief—it features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, one of the most recognizable designs in American coinage.
In 1905, Theodore Roosevelt was serving his first full term as President, the Wright brothers were continuing to revolutionize flight, and a single cent still had real purchasing power. One penny could buy a piece of candy, a local newspaper, or even contribute significantly toward a loaf of bread.
Proof Indian Head cents were struck in very limited numbers for collectors, with only 2,152 proof examples minted in 1905, making them far scarcer than their business-strike counterparts.
At Dupre coins & Precious metals we love the history behind the coin!