1865 Indian Head Cent - Fancy 5

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,820 MS66BN 12-14-2017 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 produced 35.4 million examples, making this the lower-mintage of the two mint variants. 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.