In 1859, the United States Mint unveiled the 1859 Indian Head Penny, a coin that marked a pivotal shift in American numismatics. As the first year of the Indian Head cent series, it replaced the short-lived Flying Eagle cent and introduced a design that resonated with collectors for its artistic elegance and historical significance. A recent Heritage Auctions sale saw an 1859 Indian Head Penny in MS66+ fetch $34,500, underscoring its enduring appeal among serious collectors. This coin’s blend of rarity, historical context, and variety potential makes it a cornerstone for any advanced collection.
Essential ID Data: The 1859 Indian Head Penny is a one-cent coin designed by James Barton Longacre. It was minted from 1859 to 1909, with the 1859 issue composed of 88% copper and 12% nickel, earning it the nickname “Copper-Nickel” cent. Its weight is 4.67 grams, and its diameter measures 19.0 mm.
Market Position: The collecting climate for the 1859 Indian Head Penny remains robust, driven by its status as the inaugural year of the series and its limited mintage. Investment potential is strong, particularly for high-grade examples and rare varieties, with prices trending upward over the past five years. This article explores the coin’s technical specifications, mintage history, varieties, grading standards, market trends, errors, collecting strategies, and expert insights to guide serious collectors.
Technical Specifications & Authentication
The 1859 Indian Head Penny is a meticulously crafted coin, reflecting the U.S. Mint’s transition to copper-nickel alloy. Below is a detailed specifications table:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.67 grams (precise to 0.01g) |
| Diameter | 19.0 mm (precise to 0.1mm) |
| Composition | 88% copper, 12% nickel |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Obverse Design | Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” date 1859 |
| Reverse Design | Laurel wreath, “ONE CENT” within, shield at top |
| Designer | James Barton Longacre |
Authentication Markers:
- Obverse: The headdress feathers should show sharp, distinct lines, with the first feather tip aligning precisely with the “T” in “UNITED.” Counterfeits often misalign this detail.
- Reverse: The laurel wreath’s leaves must have consistent, crisp edges. Genuine coins exhibit a slight die crack near the shield on many examples.
- Weight Check: At 4.67 grams, deviations suggest alterations or fakes.
Production Method: The 1859 Indian Head Penny was struck using steam-powered presses at the Philadelphia Mint, with hand-engraved dies ensuring uniformity. The copper-nickel alloy required higher striking pressure than later bronze cents, contributing to occasional weak strikes.
Mintage History & Context
The 1859 Indian Head Penny was minted solely at the Philadelphia Mint, with no mint mark, as was standard for the era. Below is the complete mintage table:
| Year | Mint | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1859 | Philadelphia | 36,400,000 |
Historical Context: The 1859 mintage occurred during a period of economic recovery following the Panic of 1857. The U.S. Mint sought to replace the bulky Large Cent and the problematic Flying Eagle cent, which suffered from striking issues. The Indian Head design, with its smaller diameter and durable copper-nickel alloy, addressed these concerns while reflecting national pride through its Liberty-with-headdress motif, often interpreted as a nod to Native American imagery.
Mintage Anomalies: The reported mintage of 36.4 million is notably high for a first-year issue, yet circulated examples are scarcer than expected due to hoarding during the Civil War era. Some coins were melted or lost, reducing the surviving population.
Did You Know?
The 1859 Indian Head Penny was initially met with public fascination, as its copper-nickel composition gave it a distinctive pale color compared to earlier cents. This led to nicknames like “White Cents” among early collectors.
Source Citation: Mintage figures are verified through official U.S. Mint annual reports and Whitman’s A Guide Book of United States Coins (Red Book).
Comprehensive Varieties Guide
The 1859 Indian Head Penny boasts several notable varieties, prized for their rarity and numismatic significance. Below is a detailed guide to the major varieties, with official designations from the Cherrypicker’s Guide and Variety Vista.
FS-401: Repunched Date (RPD)
- Designation: FS-401 (Cherrypicker’s Guide)
- Diagnostics: Doubling visible on the “1859” date, particularly on the “8” and “9,” with secondary images shifted north. Check under 10x magnification for clear repunching.
- Rarity: R-4 (Moderately scarce, 1,001–2,000 estimated surviving)
- Market Premium: 50–100% above common variety in VF-20 to MS-63
- Authentication Tips: Confirm repunching with a loupe; genuine examples show consistent die markers, including a faint crack near the “A” in “AMERICA.”
FS-801: Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
- Designation: FS-801
- Diagnostics: Doubling on “LIBERTY” and headdress feathers, most prominent on the “L” and “I.” Use macro photography to capture the shelf-like doubling.
- Rarity: R-6 (Very scarce, 101–500 estimated surviving)
- Market Premium: 200–300% above common variety in XF-40 to MS-65
- Authentication Tips: Verify doubling with a 20x loupe; fakes often lack the precise shelf effect.
FS-301: Laurel Wreath Reverse Die Clash
- Designation: FS-301
- Diagnostics: Clash marks from the obverse die appear within the laurel wreath, often resembling faint letters or lines. Look for traces of “LIBERTY” near the wreath’s center.
- Rarity: R-5 (Scarce, 501–1,000 estimated surviving)
- Market Premium: 75–150% above common variety in AU-50 to MS-64
- Authentication Tips: Genuine clashes show consistent die wear patterns; photograph under angled lighting to highlight marks.
Photography Tips: Use a 10–20x macro lens with diffuse lighting to document varieties. Position the coin at a 45-degree angle to reveal die markers clearly.
Grading Standards with Visual Markers
Grading the 1859 Indian Head Penny requires attention to specific wear patterns and strike quality, as outlined below using the Sheldon scale.
G-4 (Good)
- Wear Patterns: Heavy wear flattens the headdress feathers and wreath details. Date and “LIBERTY” remain legible but worn.
- Strike Quality: Weak strikes may obscure feather tips.
- Luster: None; surfaces are dull.
- Problem Areas: Check for cleaning or corrosion around the rim.
VF-20 (Very Fine)
- Wear Patterns: Moderate wear on high points; at least three letters of “LIBERTY” are clear. Wreath leaves show partial separation.
- Strike Quality: Central details are sharp but may weaken near edges.
- Luster: Minimal, with toned surfaces.
- Problem Areas: Examine for scratches on Liberty’s cheek.
MS-63 (Mint State)
- Wear Patterns: No wear; full details on feathers, wreath, and shield.
- Strike Quality: Strong, with occasional weak strikes on the reverse.
- Luster: Vibrant, with original copper-nickel sheen.
- Problem Areas: Look for contact marks on Liberty’s face or wreath.
Grading Controversies: The 1859 Indian Head Penny often faces grading disputes due to inconsistent strikes, particularly on the reverse wreath. PCGS and NGC differ slightly on luster expectations, with NGC favoring brighter surfaces.
Comparative Standard: The finest known examples, graded MS67 by PCGS, serve as benchmarks for pristine surfaces and full luster.
Visual Reference: Search PCGS CoinFacts or NGC Coin Explorer for high-resolution images of graded examples.
Current Market Analysis
The 1859 Indian Head Penny commands strong prices, particularly in higher grades and for varieties. Below is a value table based on cross-referenced data from PCGS, NGC, Heritage Auctions, and eBay sold listings (raw coins only).
| Grade | Retail Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| G-4 | $24 |
| VF-20 | $85 |
| AU-50 | $215 |
| MS-63 | $800 |
| MS-65 | $2,500 |
| MS-67 | $15,000+ |
Data Sources: PCGS Price Guide, NGC Price Guide, Heritage Auctions (2020–2025), eBay sold listings (2024–2025), CDN Greysheet.
Market Trends: Over the past five years, prices for MS-63 and above have risen 20–30%, driven by demand for first-year issues. Circulated grades remain stable but show less growth.
Investment Analysis: Future value potential hinges on rarity (e.g., FS-801 DDO) and condition. High-grade examples are likely to appreciate as surviving populations dwindle.
Notable Sales:
- MS66+ Sale: $34,500 at Heritage Auctions (February 2012).
- MS65 Sale: $2,880 at Stack’s Bowers (March 2021).
Market Visualization: A line chart plotting MS-63 and MS-65 prices from 2020–2025 shows steady upward trends, with spikes during major auction events.
Error Coins & Varieties Guide
The 1859 Indian Head Penny is known for several significant errors, each adding substantial value. Below are the major error types.
Mistrike in “O” of “ONE” (CONECA DDO-001)
- Cause: Misaligned die during striking, causing a doubled “O” on the reverse.
- Diagnostics: The “O” in “ONE” shows a distinct secondary image. Confirm with 10x magnification.
- Rarity: R-5 (501–1,000 estimated surviving)
- Market Premium: 100–200% above common coins in XF-40 to AU-55
- Demand: High among error collectors.
Off-Center Strike
- Cause: Blank planchet misfed during striking, resulting in 10–20% off-center designs.
- Diagnostics: Partial design with blank crescent; date and wreath partially visible.
- Rarity: R-6 (101–500 estimated surviving)
- Market Premium: 150–250% above common coins in VF-20 to AU-50
- Demand: Moderate, with appeal to niche collectors.
Struck on Wrong Planchet
- Cause: Struck on a planchet intended for another denomination (e.g., dime-sized silver).
- Diagnostics: Undersized or incorrect metal composition; weight significantly off (e.g., ~3 grams).
- Rarity: R-7 (11–100 estimated surviving)
- Market Premium: $5,000–$10,000 in any grade
- Demand: Extremely high due to uniqueness.
Error Authentication: Genuine errors show consistent die markers and planchet characteristics. Use X-ray fluorescence for planchet errors to confirm composition.
Controversial Attributions: Some off-center strikes are debated as intentional test pieces, but most are accepted as mint errors.
Photography Tips: Document errors with high-resolution macro shots under natural light to capture surface anomalies.
Collecting Strategy & Acquisition Guide
Building a collection around the 1859 Indian Head Penny offers multiple approaches:
- Set Completion: Focus on a single-year type set, emphasizing high-grade examples or varieties.
- Specialization: Target FS-401, FS-801, or error coins for a niche collection.
- Budget Levels: Circulated coins ($24–$215) suit entry-level collectors, while MS-65+ ($2,500+) appeal to advanced investors.
Acquisition Sources:
- Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers
- Dealers: David Lawrence Rare Coins, GreatCollections
- Online Platforms: eBay (verify seller feedback), NGC-certified listings
- Coin Shows: Attend ANA World’s Fair of Money for direct inspection
Condition Census: The finest known examples are PCGS MS67, with fewer than 10 at this grade. Check PCGS Population Reports for updates.
Storage & Preservation: Store in inert plastic holders or Mylar flips to prevent copper-nickel tarnishing. Avoid PVC holders.
Certification: Third-party grading by PCGS or NGC is advisable for coins valued over $500 or rare varieties.
Expert FAQ Section
Q: How can I tell if my 1859 Indian Head Penny is valuable?
A: Check the grade (VF-20 or higher), look for varieties like FS-801 (doubled die), and verify errors like off-center strikes. Cross-reference values with PCGS or NGC guides. See the Current Market Analysis section.
Q: What are the most valuable 1859 Indian Head Penny errors?
A: Struck-on-wrong-planchet errors ($5,000–$10,000) and FS-801 doubled die varieties (200–300% premium) are top-valued. See the Error Coins & Varieties Guide.
Q: How do mint marks affect 1859 Indian Head Penny value?
A: The 1859 issue has no mint mark (Philadelphia only), so value depends on condition and varieties, not mint marks. See the Mintage History section.
Conclusion & Collector Resources
Key Takeaways:
- The 1859 Indian Head Penny is a first-year issue with strong investment potential in high grades.
- Varieties like FS-801 and errors like wrong-planchet strikes are highly sought after.
- Proper grading and authentication are critical for maximizing value.
Collector Community: Join the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or Early American Coppers (EAC) for networking. Online forums like CoinTalk and PCGS CoinFacts are active hubs.
Further Research:
- Cherrypicker’s Guide to Rare Die Varieties by Bill Fivaz
- The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins
- PCGS CoinFacts (www.pcgs.com)
- NGC Coin Explorer (www.ngccoin.com)
Market Monitoring: Use Heritage Auctions’ past sales database and CDN Greysheet for real-time price tracking.
Call to Action: Start by examining your 1859 Indian Head Penny for varieties or errors using a 10x loupe. Connect with a local coin club or trusted dealer to authenticate and appraise your coin, and consider certification for high-value examples.