Discover a remarkable piece of American numismatic history with this 1860 Small Cent Indian Head ANACS XF-45 FS-401 Pointed Bust Details coin. Struck during the tumultuous years leading up to the American Civil War, this early Indian Head cent represents a pivotal transition in United States coinage design and offers collectors a tangible connection to one of the most significant eras in American history.

The Indian Head cent series, designed by the legendary engraver James Barton Longacre, replaced the earlier Flying Eagle cent in 1859. This particular 1860 specimen features the desirable "Pointed Bust" variety, identified by the diagnostic FS-401 designation. The pointed bust variety is highly sought after by variety collectors and represents a distinct subtype from the more common rounded bust examples produced later in the year. Certified by ANACS as XF-45 with "Details" designation, this coin displays attractive circulated condition with strong remaining details that make it an excellent representative example for both beginning and advanced collectors.

Expertly preserved and professionally graded, this 1860 Indian Head cent offers an exceptional opportunity to own a Civil War-era small cent with a documented variety attribution. The FS-401 Pointed Bust variety is recognized in major variety guides and adds significant numismatic interest beyond a standard date-and-mint example. Whether you're building a comprehensive Indian Head cent collection, assembling a type set, or specifically hunting for recognized die varieties, this coin deserves serious consideration.

Coin Specifications

• Date: 1860
• Denomination: One Cent (Small Cent)
• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
• Mintage: 20,566,000
• Composition: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel
• Weight: 4.67 grams
• Diameter: 19 mm
• Edge: Plain
• Designer: James Barton Longacre
• Grading Service: ANACS
• Grade: XF-45 Details
• Variety: FS-401 Pointed Bust
• Attribution: Pointed Bust variety with distinct die markers

Historical Significance

The 1860 Indian Head cent was produced during a time of tremendous change in America. As tensions between North and South escalated toward Civil War, the United States Mint continued refining its coinage designs and compositions. The Indian Head design, featuring a classically styled Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, became an instantly recognizable symbol of American coinage and remained in production until 1909.

The transition from the large cent to the small cent format had occurred just two years earlier in 1857 with the introduction of the Flying Eagle cent. By 1859, the Indian Head design replaced the short-lived Flying Eagle, creating the foundation for a series that would span five decades. The 1860 issue represents only the second year of the Indian Head cent series, making it particularly desirable for collectors seeking early examples.

The Pointed Bust variety (FS-401) occurred early in the production run when the obverse die featured a sharper, more pointed profile on Liberty's bust. This distinct variety is listed in the Cherrypickers' Guide and recognized by major grading services. Collectors prize these varieties not only for their relative scarcity but also for the fascinating story they tell about 19th-century minting practices and die preparation techniques.

During the Civil War, copper-nickel cents like this 1860 example would eventually be hoarded as their intrinsic metal value approached or exceeded face value. This hoarding led to widespread coin shortages, eventually resulting in the production of private token coinage and later the bronze cent composition introduced in 1864. Owning an 1860 Indian Head cent allows collectors to hold a coin that circulated during these turbulent economic times.

Condition and Appeal

This ANACS XF-45 Details example displays the pleasing chocolate brown surfaces typical of early copper-nickel cents that have been properly preserved. The XF-45 grade indicates that the coin retains approximately 75-80% of its original design detail, with Liberty's headdress, hair details, and the wreath on the reverse showing clear definition. The "Details" designation typically refers to minor issues such as cleaning or surface marks that prevent a straight grade, yet the coin remains highly collectible and visually appealing.

The FS-401 attribution adds substantial numismatic value and interest. Variety specialists actively seek the pointed bust examples, and having the variety professionally attributed by ANACS provides peace of mind and enhances the coin's marketability. The pointed bust variety shows a distinct profile difference when compared side-by-side with the rounded bust examples produced later in 1860.

Whether displayed as part of a larger Indian Head cent collection or highlighted as a standalone Civil War-era artifact, this 1860 Small Cent offers both historical importance and numismatic significance. The combination of an early date, recognized variety attribution, and professional grading makes this coin an attractive acquisition for discerning collectors who appreciate the rich heritage of United States coinage.

Don't miss this opportunity to add a certified, attributed 1860 Indian Head cent FS-401 Pointed Bust to your collection. This coin represents an important chapter in American history and numismatics that continues to captivate collectors more than 160 years after it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.