1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Die Gouge FS-1401 Snow-14

Description

Cross-referenced as FS-1401 in the Fivaz-Stanton catalog and Snow-14 in the Snow die variety reference, this 1865 Indian Head Cent die gouge belongs to the Fancy 5 date subtype — distinguished by its tall, ornate numeral 5 with serifs, as opposed to the Plain 5 also produced that year. The defining gouge runs from the top left corner of the Liberty ribbon in a semi-circular path through the feathers of the headdress, cutting a visible arc across multiple design elements. This gouge was likely caused by a pointed object striking the die face during handling, leaving a permanent incuse channel that transferred as a raised curved line on every coin struck from the die. The 1865 Indian Head Cent was produced during the final year of the Civil War, when the Mint had recently adopted the lighter bronze composition in mid-1864. The dual FS and Snow cross-references ensure this variety is recognized by major third-party grading services, adding collectibility and potential holder attribution for certified specimens. Unlike die cracks which follow stress lines, die gouges can appear in any direction.

Attribution History

• FS-1401, Snow-14