1864 Indian Head Cent - Copper Nickel

Coin Details

Auction Record

$13,800 MS66 01-05-2006 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1864 Indian Head Cent - Copper Nickel is a cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. With a mintage of 13.7 million, this is a less common issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 15% 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 an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. Composition changed from copper-nickel to bronze due to Civil War metal shortages. The "L" initial for Longacre first appears on the ribbon, creating two major varieties. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $30 to $527 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 #2070.