1865 Indian Head Cent (Plain 5) Die Clash (Obverse)

Description

Displaying the classic indicator of a die clash on Indian Head Cents — the letter C from CENT visible in front of the eye on the obverse — this 1865 Plain 5 variety also shows a full portrait impression clashed onto the reverse die. Die clashes occur when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them, transferring incuse design elements from one die to the other. On Indian Head Cents, the C-in-front-of-eye diagnostic is the most recognizable sign, as the reverse inscription CENT aligns directly with the portrait's eye area when the dies meet. The full portrait visible on the reverse indicates a particularly strong clash event. The 1865 Plain 5 Indian Head Cent was struck in bronze — the composition adopted in 1864 when the cent transitioned from copper-nickel to the 95% copper / 5% tin-and-zinc alloy designed by James Longacre. Die clashes on Civil War-era Indian Head Cents reflect the high production demands of a period when the Mint was working to restore coin circulation after wartime hoarding.