Discover a genuine piece of American numismatic history with this 1859 Small Cent Indian Head coin, professionally graded by NGC with the VF-DETAILS designation. This early Indian Head cent represents the very first year of the iconic Indian Head cent series, making it a highly sought-after specimen for both seasoned collectors and those beginning their numismatic journey into 19th-century United States coinage.

The Indian Head cent, designed by the renowned engraver James Barton Longacre, replaced the earlier Flying Eagle cent design and became one of the most beloved coin designs in American history. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this 1859 example features the original laurel wreath reverse that was only used during the first year of the series before being replaced by an oak wreath with a shield in 1860. This design distinction makes the 1859 Indian Head cent particularly significant for type collectors and series specialists alike.

Graded by NGC as VF-DETAILS, this coin displays the strong details typical of a Very Fine example while carrying a notation for minor surface concerns or cleaning that prevents it from receiving a straight numerical grade. Despite these details, the coin retains excellent eye appeal and remains a solid representative example of this important one-year type. The "VF-DETAILS" grade from NGC provides collectors with a more affordable entry point into owning a key date from the Indian Head cent series without compromising on historical significance.

Whether you're building a complete set of Indian Head cents, assembling a type set of 19th-century small cents, or simply looking to add a piece of Civil War-era American history to your collection, this 1859 Indian Head cent offers tremendous value. The coin's rich bronze composition has developed attractive chocolate-brown tones over the past 165 years, creating a warm, classic appearance that showcases the intricate details of Longacre's famous Indian princess design.

Coin Specifications

• Date: 1859
• Mint: Philadelphia
• Mintage: 36,400,000
• Composition: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel
• Diameter: 19mm
• Weight: 4.67 grams
• Designer: James Barton Longacre
• Edge: Plain
• Grading Service: NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
• Grade: VF-DETAILS
• Designation: Indian Head Cent / Small Cent
• Reverse Type: Laurel Wreath (One-Year Type)

Historical Context

The 1859 Indian Head cent was born during a period of significant change in American coinage. Following the success and subsequent issues with the Flying Eagle cent (1856-1858), Mint officials decided to replace the difficult-to-strike Flying Eagle design with the new Indian Head motif. The introduction of this coin coincided with rising tensions that would eventually lead to the American Civil War, making these pieces tangible connections to one of the most pivotal periods in United States history.

James Barton Longacre's design featured a remarkably detailed portrait of Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, which has been the subject of much historical discussion. While commonly called an "Indian Head," most numismatists believe the portrait was actually modeled after Longacre's daughter Sarah or possibly the Greco-Roman statue Venus Accroupie. The reverse featured a simple laurel wreath surrounding the denomination "ONE CENT," creating a balanced and elegant design that would evolve over the next five decades.

The 1859 issue is particularly notable as it is the only year the Indian Head cent was struck with both a copper-nickel composition and the laurel wreath reverse. This combination creates a true one-year type coin that is essential for any comprehensive collection of United States small cents. The relatively high mintage of over 36 million pieces ensured that examples would be available to future generations of collectors, though high-grade specimens have become increasingly difficult to locate.

Owning an 1859 Indian Head cent means possessing a coin that circulated during the final years of the antebellum period and likely witnessed the dramatic events of the Civil War. These small cents were used in everyday commerce throughout the Union states and even saw use in the Confederacy during the early stages of the conflict. Their durability and the intrinsic value of their copper-nickel composition helped ensure many examples survived to the present day.

This NGC-certified example offers collectors the opportunity to own a certified, encapsulated piece of American history. The transparent grading holder protects the coin while allowing both sides to be fully appreciated. Whether displayed as part of a larger collection or showcased individually, this 1859 Small Cent represents an important chapter in the story of United States coinage and continues to captivate collectors more than 165 years after it was first struck.

Perfect for numismatists searching for authentic 1859 Indian Head cents, NGC certified Indian Head pennies, VF details small cents, one-year type coins, or early copper-nickel cents, this specimen delivers both historical importance and collector appeal. Its status as the inaugural issue of the long-running Indian Head cent series ensures it will remain a cornerstone of any serious United States coin collection.