1859 Proof Indian Head Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$29,900 PR65 01-06-2010 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1859 Proof Indian Head Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. With a mintage of 800, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 4 mint variants, representing only less than 1% of total production. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often misidentified as a Native American — actually represents Liberty adorned with a chief's war bonnet and the reverse displays a laurel wreath enclosing ONE CENT, without the shield. The only year with the laurel wreath reverse — all subsequent years feature the oak wreath with shield design. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $2.3K. Struck in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2247.