Olevian Numismatic Rarities
1860 Indian Head Cent PCGS Certified MS64
Product Description
In the first half of the 18th century, one cent coins were large, clunky copper pieces nearly the size of a modern half dollar. By 1856, the cost of producing these copper coins rose so high that the U.S. mint was forced to significantly reduce the size of the one cent coin. On May 25th, 1857 the mint debuted a new small diameter cent, the Flying Eagle cent, which was the same size as our modern-day Lincoln cent. However, due to difficulties in production and issues with strike quality, this new cent was quickly abandoned and replaced by the Indian Head cent, which was minted through 1909.
Initially, the coin was produced in a copper-nickel alloy before changing to bronze composition. The obverse of the Indian Head cent features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American war bonnet— regarded by the public at the time as a decidedly unusual headdress for a female figure of otherwise neoclassical Greek form. The reverse originally featured an olive wreath, which was later changed to a wreath of oak and other leaves with a shield at the apex. Indian cents remained in circulation through the 1940s until increasing value and interest among coin collectors rendered them scarce by 1950. The 1864 civil-war era Indian Cent featured here is a gorgeous mint-state example with exceptional original color and represents the last year of the copper-nickel composition.
Product Details
- Measurements
4.5"L x 4.5"W x 1.5"H
- OriginUnited States
— Indian Cent: Copper-Nickel Variety (1859-1864)
— Designer: James Barton Longacre
— Weight: 4.7 grams
— Diameter: 19 mm
— Composition: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel
— Obverse Design: Lady Liberty With Feathered Headdress, Facing Left
— Obverse Inscription: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / DATE
— Reverse Design: Oak Wreath & Shield
— Reverse Inscription: ONE CENT
— Ships In Luxurious Matte Black Wood Box Lined In Velvet With A Certificate Of Authenticity
The coin offered for sale in this listing has been certified by one or more of these leading services: Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), Or Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC)
Shipping Information
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Shipping AvailabilityCanada, United States
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Shipping PolicyDiscounted Shipping
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Discounted Shipping$15.00 first item / $15.00 each additional
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Ship In3-4 weeks ⓘ
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Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
Size Chart
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