1865 Indian Head Cent - Plain 5

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Description

Part of the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series, the 1865 Indian Head Cent - Plain 5 is a cent from the Philadelphia Mint. The U.S. Mint's figure of 35.4 million is the 1865 cent as a whole; the Plain 5 share of it is unknown. 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. 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 #92082.