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The Indian Head Cent occupies a unique position in American numismatic history as one of the most widely recognized and collected coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Issued from 1859 through 1909, this small-denomination coin represented an important transition in U.S. coinage, as designs began moving away from strictly classical themes and toward imagery that reflected a growing national identity. The 1859 Indian Head Cent offered here is a rare copper penny issue that features the original Type I reverse design, a style used only during its first year of production, and is available in About Uncirculated condition. Now, the 1859 Indian Head Cent is available online at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
This 1859 Indian Head Cent is available in About Uncirculated 55 condition, indicating a coin with wear patterns that range from extremely light to only trace signs of friction, most of which is visible only on the highest points. Medium or near-full luster is possible with an AU55 coin. 1859 Indian Head Cents mark the only issue of the coin with the Type I reverse design by James B. Longacre. The early years of the Indian Head Cent program saw the unique use of an 88% copper, 12% nickel alloy that continued only through the end of the US Civil War. After the war, the penny shrank from 4.67 grams to 3.11 grams, and the alloy changed to 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc.
The obverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American–style headdress. This design, created by Mint Engraver James B. Longacre, has drawn both praise and debate throughout its history. Although commonly referred to as the Indian Head design, the figure does not represent an actual Native American. Instead, it depicts Liberty adorned with a feathered bonnet, blending traditional allegorical imagery with symbolic elements inspired by Native American culture.
On the reverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent is Longacre’s original Type I design, which appears exclusively on coins from this inaugural year of the series. The reverse presents a straightforward yet elegant motif featuring a laurel wreath that encircles the denomination ONE CENT. This early reverse design was replaced beginning in 1860, making the 1859 issue especially notable among collectors who value first-year types and historically significant design elements.
The Indian Head Cent’s debut represented the Mint’s effort to create a more efficient and durable small denomination piece that could withstand the rigors of daily commercial use while celebrating national identity through its imagery.
JM Bullion customer service can assist you with rare copper coins at 800-276-6508. We are also available online through our web chat and email address features.
Tracking and insurance included on all orders
The Indian Head Cent occupies a unique position in American numismatic history as one of the most widely recognized and collected coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Issued from 1859 through 1909, this small-denomination coin represented an important transition in U.S. coinage, as designs began moving away from strictly classical themes and toward imagery that reflected a growing national identity. The 1859 Indian Head Cent offered here is a rare copper penny issue that features the original Type I reverse design, a style used only during its first year of production, and is available in About Uncirculated condition. Now, the 1859 Indian Head Cent is available online at JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
This 1859 Indian Head Cent is available in About Uncirculated 55 condition, indicating a coin with wear patterns that range from extremely light to only trace signs of friction, most of which is visible only on the highest points. Medium or near-full luster is possible with an AU55 coin. 1859 Indian Head Cents mark the only issue of the coin with the Type I reverse design by James B. Longacre. The early years of the Indian Head Cent program saw the unique use of an 88% copper, 12% nickel alloy that continued only through the end of the US Civil War. After the war, the penny shrank from 4.67 grams to 3.11 grams, and the alloy changed to 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc.
The obverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent displays a left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American–style headdress. This design, created by Mint Engraver James B. Longacre, has drawn both praise and debate throughout its history. Although commonly referred to as the Indian Head design, the figure does not represent an actual Native American. Instead, it depicts Liberty adorned with a feathered bonnet, blending traditional allegorical imagery with symbolic elements inspired by Native American culture.
On the reverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent is Longacre’s original Type I design, which appears exclusively on coins from this inaugural year of the series. The reverse presents a straightforward yet elegant motif featuring a laurel wreath that encircles the denomination ONE CENT. This early reverse design was replaced beginning in 1860, making the 1859 issue especially notable among collectors who value first-year types and historically significant design elements.
The Indian Head Cent’s debut represented the Mint’s effort to create a more efficient and durable small denomination piece that could withstand the rigors of daily commercial use while celebrating national identity through its imagery.
JM Bullion customer service can assist you with rare copper coins at 800-276-6508. We are also available online through our web chat and email address features.
