1865 Indian Head Cent - Fancy 5
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $2,820
- Sold
- Grade
- MS66BN
- Auction house
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
Part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series, the 1865 Indian Head Cent - Fancy 5 is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint. The U.S. Mint reported 35.4 million cents for 1865 in all, Fancy 5 and Plain 5 together; how many have the Fancy 5 is not recorded. 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. The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $21 to $207 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2082.
External References
Error Varieties(17)
1865 Atypical Die Clash ADC-1C-1865-01
1865 Atypical Die Clash ADC-1C-1865-02
1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Die Clash (Near-Full, Triple Clash)
1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Die Clash (Obverse and Reverse)
1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Die Clash (Reverse)
1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Die Gouge FS-1401 Snow-14
1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Doubled Die Reverse FS-1801 Snow-2
1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Repunched Date FS-1301 Snow-1
1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Repunched Date FS-1302 Snow-4
1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Two Reverse Rim Cuds (12 o'clock)
CU-1c-1865-01 Cud
CU-1c-1865-02R Cud
CU-1c-1865-03 Cud
CU-1c-1865-04 Rim Cud
CU-1c-1865-05 Cud
CU-1c-1865-06R Cud
RCD-1c-1865-01R Retained Cud
Other Strike Types in This Series
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