1862 Indian Head Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$50,400 MS68 06-23-2020 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1862 Indian Head Cent is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The U.S. Mint produced 28.1 million examples, making this the higher-mintage of the two mint variants, representing 100% of 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 an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $15 to $330 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.7 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2064.