1865 Indian Head Cent (Fancy 5) Repunched Date FS-1302 Snow-4

Description

Attributed in both the Cherrypickers Guide as FS-1302 and in the Snow reference as Snow-4, this 1865-P Indian Head Cent Fancy 5 variety shows the digits 186 repunched slightly below the final date position, with the displaced impressions visible against the coin's surface. The Fancy 5 designation refers to the tall ornate 5 with distinctive serifs used on this die, distinguishing it from the Plain 5 punch used on other 1865-P Indian Head Cent dies — making Fancy 5 attribution a prerequisite before the repunched date can be confirmed on this variety. The 1865-P Indian Head Cent was struck in bronze — 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc — at the Philadelphia Mint under James B. Longacre's design. Repunched date varieties arise when the date punch is applied more than once to the die at slightly different positions; on FS-1302 the initial punch was placed fractionally below its final position, leaving a secondary set of digit impressions. The dual listing in both Cherrypickers and Snow confirms Snow-4 / FS-1302 as among the most firmly established repunched date varieties for the 1865 Indian Head Cent Fancy 5 issue.

Attribution History

• FS-1302, Snow-4