Thick Indian Head

[At a Siding]

Was hunting on 4/17 at an old farmhouse. I got permission from the owner, and will be able to go back again. The current owner bought this place from the 3rd generation of original the family, so I doubt it was hunted. Around a large stone circular planter(?), I could imagine some kids (or adults) sitting there years ago and dropping pennies. I found a 1919 wheat and also two Indian Heads. One was in such bad shape, I could barely make out it was an IH. The other, I immediately felt that the coin I held was very thick, thicker than any coin I've held. It read 20 on my TID, and was surprised by this number to find a penny. Usually, I get a 32. I was a little intrigued by this, so the next day, looked at a web site. I learned that certain years (About 1859 to 1864, the Indian Head was made thicker. Fun fact for me, as I also could not read the date on this one (too bad). But I also learned that at about this time, these pennies were made of a combination of nickel and copper; hence the 20 TID!

As a side note, also found an old horse "sleigh" bell. My second find of one of these. Not sure what they are made from though...

 

[Digger]

Congrats! Nice recovery. As you now know, those "fatty" Indians were made from 59 - 64 and had a 12% nickel content and 88% copper. These thicker coins weighed in at 4.67 grams. In late 64, they switched to a bronze composite (95% copper, 5% tin) and cut the weight to 3.11 grams. Same diameter. Just thinner than before. I know you said you couldn't read the date, but the 59 is the only one without the wreath on the reverse. Might narrow down the date of yours a bit. HH Randy

 

[Damar2003]

Congrats on the fatty!

 

[Mark in S.E. IA]

Congrat's on your first Fatty.


I don't find them very often, but when I do it's a thrill.

 

[pescadore]

Sounds like you have a great place to hunt. Congrats on your finds so far and good luck in your future hunts.

 

[Damar2003]

Congrats on the nice hunt!

 

[Bill in Oregon]

Wow, just found this forum and have already learned something new in the first few seconds!