1870 Indian Head Cent Shallow N FS-901

Description

This 1870 Indian Head cent is the Shallow N reverse variety, designated FS-901. The year 1870 was transitional for the Indian Head cent series, featuring both the older "Shallow N" reverse carried over from 1869 and the new "Bold N" reverse that would become standard through 1909. On the Shallow N variety, the letter N in CENT appears three-dimensionally shallow, almost blending into the background field. Additionally, the letter E features straighter, more T-shaped serifs with larger notches. In contrast, the Bold N variety has a deeper, more prominent N and the E displays curved, trumpet-shaped serifs with smaller notches. The Shallow N is the scarcer of the two varieties for 1870 and is recognized by both PCGS and NGC as a distinct collectible variety.

Attribution History

• FS-901