The Indian Head Cent series, minted from 1859 to 1909, represents one of the most beloved and widely collected denominations in American numismatics, spanning the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Gilded Age. The series underwent several compositional changes, beginning with copper-nickel from 1859 to 1864, then transitioning to a bronze composition in 1864, which continued through the end of the series. Now, 1861 Indian Head Cents are available online at JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Coin arrives in a protective slab!
• 3rd release of Indian Head Cents!
• Issued at the outset of the Civil War!
• Total mintage of 10,100,000 coins!
• Contains a copper-nickel alloy.
• Issued a face value of $.01 (USD) by the United States.
• Bears a grade of Mint State 66 from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
• The obverse features a bust of Lady Liberty with an indigenous headdress.
• On the reverse is an oak wreath with the US national shield.
• Type II reverse specimen.

This 1861 Indian Head Cent is available in MS66 condition. Produced around the outset of the American Civil War, this coin has naturally formed toning common among copper pieces. The surfaces have a soft, gold-bronze patina that is even throughout both sides with gentle brown overtones. The coin also features subtle hints of rose and champagne accents along the high points. 

The obverse of the 1861 Indian Head Cent features a design by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre that depicts Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse, a romanticized representation that was popular in 19th-century American iconography. The portrait shows Liberty in profile facing left, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircling the design and the date below.

On the reverse of the 1861 Indian Head Cent, you’ll find an oak wreath surrounding the engraving of the denomination (ONE CENT), while the US national shield is perched in the opening at the top of the wreath. This Type II design element was introduced in 1860 and replaced the original 1859 design that consisted of simply a fully-closed laurel wreath around the denomination.

Amidst the American Civil War, the US Mint faced pressure on its key resources across various denominations. Though the composition of the US cent was changed prior to the war, the outset of the American Civil War extended the use of this 88% copper-12% nickel composition through the end of the conflict. It wasn’t until the end of the war that the metallic alloy of the coins reverted to a 95% copper content.

JM Bullion customer service is available to assist you at 800-276-6508. We are also available online using our web chat and email address features.