1864 Indian Head Cent - Proof Copper Nickel

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

The 1864 Indian Head Cent - Proof Copper Nickel is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 370 copper-nickel proof cents dated 1864. 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. Copper-nickel cents were hoarded during the Civil War, and the Act of April 22, 1864 replaced them with a lighter bronze cent like the private tokens then circulating. 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 Philadelphia Mint. Estimated market value is approximately $1.3K. Struck in 88% copper, 12% nickel, weighing 4.67 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2265.