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The Certified 1859 Indian Head Cent, graded MS64 by PCGS, is a historic and highly sought-after coin that marks the beginning of one of the most beloved series in American numismatics. The Indian Head Cent series, which ran from 1859 to 1909, was designed by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The 1859 issue is particularly significant because it was the first year of production and features a unique reverse design that would be used for just one year before being changed in 1860. As the debut coin in the series, the 1859 Indian Head Cent holds a special place in U.S. coinage history and is highly prized by collectors. In MS64 condition, this coin is a rare find, boasting excellent preservation and strong eye appeal.
The obverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent features the iconic portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, a design that became one of the most recognizable in U.S. coinage. Liberty is depicted facing left, with her hair cascading down her shoulders and the headdress adorned with feathers. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the band of the headdress. Longacre’s design was intended to symbolize the unity of Native American culture with the values of freedom and democracy that Liberty represents. This was a bold artistic choice at the time, as the use of Native American imagery on U.S. coinage was relatively uncommon. The obverse is framed by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the edge, with the date "1859" placed directly below the bust of Liberty. In an MS64 example, the fine details of Liberty’s face, hair, and feathers are well-preserved, and the coin’s original mint luster is still present, adding to its visual appeal.
The reverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent features a simple but elegant design with the denomination "ONE CENT" encircled by a laurel wreath. This reverse design was only used for the 1859 issue, making it unique among the Indian Head Cent series. In 1860, the laurel wreath would be replaced by an oak wreath with a shield at the top, a design that would remain in place until the series ended in 1909. The reverse of the 1859 cent reflects Longacre’s preference for classical motifs, with the laurel wreath symbolizing victory and civic virtue. The clean, open fields of the reverse, combined with the bold lettering of the denomination, make the design both aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. In MS64 condition, the reverse exhibits sharp details in the wreath and crisp lettering, with minimal marks or imperfections, which is impressive given the coin’s age.
The 1859 Indian Head Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which at the time was the primary facility for producing U.S. coins. The Philadelphia Mint had been in operation since 1792 and was responsible for striking the nation’s circulating coinage. The Indian Head Cent was introduced to replace the earlier Flying Eagle Cent, which had been in production from 1856 to 1858. The Flying Eagle Cent had encountered production difficulties due to its high-relief design, which led to uneven strikes and excessive die wear. The Indian Head Cent, with its lower-relief design, was intended to address these issues and provide a more practical and aesthetically pleasing coin for circulation. The 1859 issue had a substantial mintage of 36,400,000 coins, but finding well-preserved, high-grade examples like this MS64 piece is rare, as most of the coins were heavily circulated or worn down over time.
In terms of composition, the 1859 Indian Head Cent is made of 88% copper and 12% nickel, a composition known as "nickel-copper." This alloy was chosen for its durability and ease of striking, as well as its distinct color, which set the coin apart from other copper coins in circulation at the time. The nickel content gave the coin a lighter, more silvery appearance compared to the pure copper cents that had been minted previously. However, this composition would be changed in 1864, when the Mint switched to a bronze alloy due to the rising cost of nickel and the need for a more affordable coinage metal during the Civil War. The 1859 Indian Head Cent, therefore, represents the early years of the series when nickel-copper alloy was still in use.
The MS64 grade from PCGS signifies that this 1859 Indian Head Cent is in near-gem condition, with only minor imperfections that are not immediately visible to the naked eye. Coins in this grade exhibit strong luster, sharp strikes, and minimal contact marks, making them highly desirable for collectors who appreciate both the historical significance and the aesthetic beauty of the coin. The MS64 grade places this coin among the finest examples of the 1859 issue, as most surviving examples are found in lower grades due to heavy circulation. Collectors prize high-grade Indian Head Cents for their eye appeal and rarity, and this MS64 piece is an excellent representation of the series’ inaugural year.
The Certified 1859 Indian Head Cent MS64 PCGS is a remarkable coin that offers both historical importance and exceptional quality. As the first year of issue for the Indian Head Cent series, the 1859 cent holds a unique place in U.S. coinage history, and its one-year-only reverse design adds to its collectibility. The coin’s sharp details, original luster, and high-grade preservation make it a standout piece in any numismatic collection. For collectors of 19th-century U.S. coins or those interested in the history of American coinage, this 1859 Indian Head Cent is a must-have, representing a key moment in the evolution of the nation’s currency and the artistry of its coin designs.