Few U.S. coins are as recognizable or widely collected as the Indian Head Cent, which occupies an important role in the nation’s numismatic heritage. Produced from 1859 to 1909, this small-denomination coin reflected a period of transition at the United States Mint, when coin designs began to move away from traditional classical motifs and toward symbols that better represented a developing American character. This particular 1864 Indian Head Cent represents the final issue of copper-nickel cents and is available in MS62 condition. Today, the 1864 Indian Head Cent is available at JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Comes with a plastic slab!
• 6th year for the Indian Head Cent!
• Type II reverse design!
• Last copper-nickel penny issue!
• Contains 4.67 grams of copper-nickel content.
• The face value is $.01 (USD).
• Graded Mint State 62 by the Professional Coin Grading Service.
• On the obverse is Liberty with a feathered headdress.
• The reverse features an enhanced oak-and-laurel wreath with the Union Shield.
• Please note that there may be a variation in the exact appearance of each coin in this listing.

Production of Indian Head Cents during the 1860s was marked by the challenges and innovations brought about by the Civil War. In 1864, the composition changed from copper-nickel to bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), making the coins lighter and the planchets less expensive to produce—a crucial consideration during wartime. This particular 1864 Indian Head Cent is a rare copper-nickel issue from this transition date in the program’s history, making it one of the final copper pennies with 4.67 grams of 88% copper and 12% nickel.

This 1864 Indian Head Cent is available in Mint State 62 condition. Coins with this grade have generally acceptable eye appeal with clusters of small contact marks throughout the field and a few scattered hairlines, or one noticeable patch of hairlines. The graded population of 1864 Indian Head Cents numbers just 360 coins, suggesting a level of rarity when compared to the overall mintage that year.

On the obverse of the 1864 Indian Head Cent is a left-facing portrait of Liberty shown wearing a Native American–inspired headdress. Designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, this imagery has sparked discussion and admiration over time. Despite its popular name, the Indian Head design does not portray an actual Native American figure. Instead, the design shows Liberty with a feathered bonnet, merging classical allegory with symbolic motifs drawn from Native American traditions.

The reverse of the 1864 Indian Head Cent features the Type II design used during the latter portion of the series. During its production run, the Indian Head Cent experienced a notable design modification. From 1859 to 1860, the reverse displayed a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “ONE CENT,” but this was replaced in 1860 by an oak wreath topped with a small shield. Introduced at the start of the Civil War, the Union Shield became a meaningful symbol of national unity at a time marked by conflict and division. This shield remained part of the reverse design for the rest of the series, turning what was once a decorative detail into a clear expression of patriotic determination.

Please contact JM Bullion with any questions about historic copper coins. You can call us at 800-276-6508, chat with us online, or email us directly.