Numismatic

1864 Indian Head Cent Copper-Nickel XF

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The year 1864 marked a significant transition for United States coinage, particularly for the small cent. This specific version of the Indian Head Cent is composed of a copper and nickel alloy, capturing a fleeting moment in metallurgical history before the Mint shifted to a thinner bronze composition later that same year. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin represents the final era of the thicker, pale-colored cents that circulated during the American Civil War. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features a profile of Liberty adorned in a traditional Native American feather headdress, surrounded by the bold inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the date 1864 at the bottom. The reverse design presents a clean, classic aesthetic, displaying the denomination ONE CENT centered within a detailed wreath that frames the perimeter. Preserved in Extra Fine condition, this coin allows observers to appreciate the fine details of the feathers in the headdress and the leaves of the wreath. It stands as a fascinating artifact of mid-nineteenth-century American manufacturing, showcasing the artistry and material experimentation of the era.