Numismatic

1861 Indian Head Cent Fine

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The 1861 Indian Head Cent represents a fascinating chapter in American coinage, displaying a unique metal composition of 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel. Minted in Philadelphia, this particular coin has survived in Fine condition, showing the honest wear of a piece that likely circulated during the start of the American Civil War. On the obverse, the design features Liberty adorned in a traditional Native American feather headdress. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircle the portrait, with the year "1861" anchored at the bottom. This depiction, created by James B. Longacre, offers a distinct nineteenth-century artistic perspective. The reverse of the coin is elegantly simple, focusing on the denomination "ONE CENT" placed directly in the center. This text is framed by a decorative wreath, creating a balanced and classic aesthetic that defines the early years of the long-running Indian Head series.