1907 1C, BN PR64BN Certification #35448099, PCGS #2408

Jaime Hernandez

From 1878 to 1909, the 1907 Proof Indian Head Cent has the lowest mintage. Hundreds of examples still exist as most of them were saved. Most examples that exist display red brown surfaces. Most examples that remain are also in the PR63 to PR65 grade range. In PR66 they are considered scarce and more than likely less than 100 examples exist in this condition. In PR67 they are really scarce and less than a dozen or so are believed to exist.  

Charles Morgan

The 1907 Indian Cent Proof

Proof coinage saw a slight dip in 1907, perhaps due to the summer recession that culminated in the collapse of the Knickerbocker Trust Company on October 22. For many denominations, the 1907 Proof issues followed the same visual aesthetic as those that preceded them. However, change was afoot as the Mint struggled to adapt Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Eagle and Double Eagle gold designs for circulation.

While 1907 marked the end of the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, the Half Eagle would see one final short production run in early 1908. Later that year, the Egyptian relief $2.50 and $5 gold coins designed by Bela Lyon-Pratt entered production. With the introduction of these new designs came a permanent shift in the fabric of American Proof coinage; instead of the brilliant finishes of the past, the new issues were primarily struck with a matte, satin, or sandblast appearance. Collectors at the time weren't keen on the change, but over time, numismatists grew to appreciate the unique character of these pieces. In this regard, the Proof releases of 1906–1908 represent the true end of an era in American coinage.

Collecting the 1907 Indian Cent Proof

The bronze composition of the 1907 Indian Cent Proof (#2410) is highly reactive; depending on how a coin was stored, its surfaces may remain vibrant, mellow, or develop a colorful patination. Typically, these coins lose their original "Mint Red" luster over time, toning to olive or brown. Due to the nature of the Proof finish, it is not unusual to see examples take on a vivid array of colors, including chocolate, blue, green, and magenta.

The 1907 Indian Cent Proof mintage of 1,475 represents the total number of Minor Proof and Silver Proof Sets offered that year. These sets also included the 1907 Liberty Nickel Proof (#3905). In the mid-1960s, hundreds of these sets were likely broken up as speculators sought to corner the market for the Proof nickel. Currently, the PCGS Census accounts for approximately 30% of the original mintage. While "Red" (RD) examples are scarce—and spot-free, evenly red examples are outright rare—collectors have no shortage of options when it comes to attractively toned examples in the "Red-Brown" (RB) and "Brown" (BN) categories.

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