Numismatic

1859 Indian Head Cent VF

---

The year 1859 marked a significant transition in American numismatics with the introduction of the Indian Head cent. Designed by James B. Longacre, this inaugural issue presents a distinct aesthetic that sets it apart from the years that followed. The obverse displays a stylized depiction of Liberty adorned in an Native American feathered headdress, with the word LIBERTY clearly inscribed upon the band. Surrounding this central figure is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, alongside the date 1859. On the reverse, the coin features the denomination ONE CENT nestled within a simple laurel wreath. This specific wreath design was utilized only for the 1859 issue, making it a unique one-year type before the reverse was altered in 1860. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, these early cents were composed of an alloy containing 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel, giving them a lighter appearance than later bronze versions. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, preserving the fine details of this historic first-year design.