1867 Indian Head Cent - RCD-1c-1867-01R Retained Cud

Description

Produced during the early Reconstruction era two years after the Civil War's end, the 1867 Indian Head Cent RCD-1c-1867-01R records the first documented retained cud on a reverse working die for this date. By 1867 the Indian Head Cent had transitioned to bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), adopted in mid-1864 — a softer composition that generally improved die longevity compared to the earlier copper-nickel alloy. Nevertheless, die failures still occurred, and this retained cud captures a reverse die where a rim fragment cracked loose but remained in position, transferring a raised irregular impression onto coins. The reverse design by James B. Longacre features the oak wreath with a federal shield at the apex — a motif symbolizing national strength, particularly resonant during post-war rebuilding. The Philadelphia Mint struck 9,821,000 Indian Head Cents in 1867, a modest figure placing this among lower-mintage issues of the post-war decade. Cataloged by Cuds on Coins as RCD (retained cud), 1c (denomination), 1867 (year), 01 (first documented), R (reverse die). Collectors should inspect the reverse rim for the raised mass characteristic of a die fragment that broke completely free of the die body but was held in place instead of falling out.

External References