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The Indian Head Cent holds a distinctive place in American numismatic history as one of the most beloved and collectible coins produced by the United States Mint. Minted from 1859 to 1909, this small denomination coin marked a significant shift in American coinage design, moving away from earlier classical motifs toward imagery that captured the spirit of the young nation. This particular 1859 Indian Head Cent is a rare copper coin that features the original Type 1 reverse design, struck only in 1859, and is available in Extremely Fine condition. Today, the 1859 Indian Head Cent is available from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
The Indian Head Cent was introduced in 1859 to replace the Flying Eagle Cent, which had proven difficult to strike properly due to its high-relief design. Created by Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre, the new cent was designed to be more practical for mass production while still presenting an attractive and distinctly American appearance.
This 1859 Indian Head Cent is available in Extremely Fine 40 condition. Coins with this grade have light wear on the high points and some traces of mint luster. This 1859 issue is special in the series for a number of reasons. First and foremost, 1859 was the only date in the series to feature a simple wreath with the denomination on the reverse. Later issues added a more decorative wreath with the Union Shield. Additionally, early Indian Head Cents (1859-1864) were heavier than later issues, with 4.67 grams of a copper-nickel alloy that consisted of 88% copper and 12% nickel. During the American Civil War, nickel was a crucial metal to the war effort and it would later be removed from pennies.
On the obverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent is a profile portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, a design choice that has sparked both admiration and controversy over the years. Despite its name, the coin does not actually depict a Native American but rather represents Liberty adorned with a feathered bonnet, a creative interpretation by Longacre that combined classical allegory with indigenous American symbolism.
The reverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent features Longacre’s original Type I design. This first year of issue is the only year in the series to use this visual element. The design offers a simple laurel wreath encircling the denomination of ONE CENT.
Please contact JM Bullion with any questions about rare copper coins. You can call us at 800-276-6508, chat with us online, or email us directly.
Tracking and insurance included on all orders
The Indian Head Cent holds a distinctive place in American numismatic history as one of the most beloved and collectible coins produced by the United States Mint. Minted from 1859 to 1909, this small denomination coin marked a significant shift in American coinage design, moving away from earlier classical motifs toward imagery that captured the spirit of the young nation. This particular 1859 Indian Head Cent is a rare copper coin that features the original Type 1 reverse design, struck only in 1859, and is available in Extremely Fine condition. Today, the 1859 Indian Head Cent is available from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
The Indian Head Cent was introduced in 1859 to replace the Flying Eagle Cent, which had proven difficult to strike properly due to its high-relief design. Created by Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre, the new cent was designed to be more practical for mass production while still presenting an attractive and distinctly American appearance.
This 1859 Indian Head Cent is available in Extremely Fine 40 condition. Coins with this grade have light wear on the high points and some traces of mint luster. This 1859 issue is special in the series for a number of reasons. First and foremost, 1859 was the only date in the series to feature a simple wreath with the denomination on the reverse. Later issues added a more decorative wreath with the Union Shield. Additionally, early Indian Head Cents (1859-1864) were heavier than later issues, with 4.67 grams of a copper-nickel alloy that consisted of 88% copper and 12% nickel. During the American Civil War, nickel was a crucial metal to the war effort and it would later be removed from pennies.
On the obverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent is a profile portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, a design choice that has sparked both admiration and controversy over the years. Despite its name, the coin does not actually depict a Native American but rather represents Liberty adorned with a feathered bonnet, a creative interpretation by Longacre that combined classical allegory with indigenous American symbolism.
The reverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent features Longacre’s original Type I design. This first year of issue is the only year in the series to use this visual element. The design offers a simple laurel wreath encircling the denomination of ONE CENT.
Please contact JM Bullion with any questions about rare copper coins. You can call us at 800-276-6508, chat with us online, or email us directly.
