Numismatic

1859 Indian Head Cent AG

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The year 1859 marked a significant transition in American numismatics with the introduction of the Indian Head Cent. This first-year issue stands out from its successors due to a specific design combination that was only minted for this single year, making it a particularly compelling piece for those studying the evolution of United States coinage. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse of the coin features a depiction of Liberty adorned in a Native American feather headdress. The word LIBERTY is inscribed upon the band of the headdress, while the year 1859 is positioned along the bottom rim. This representation of Liberty became one of the most recognizable faces of American currency during the nineteenth century. The reverse of this 1859 issue is unique to this inaugural year of the series. It displays the denomination ONE CENT nestled within a simple laurel wreath. In subsequent years, this wreath was replaced with an oak wreath and shield, leaving the 1859 design as a distinct, one-year-only type. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, these early cents were composed of an alloy containing 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel. This specific metallic blend gives the coin a slightly lighter, thicker appearance than the bronze cents that would follow later in the decade.