The quintessentially American Indian Head cent was struck for commerce beginning in 1859. Because of their new copper-nickel content, the first Indian Head pennies were known as "white cents." In 1864, when nickel was needed for armaments during the Civil War, the penny's composition changed to bronze. The Indian princess was intended to be a Liberty personification. The reverse displays the U.S. Shield and an oak wreath. Our 1860 second issue entered American commerce in the monumental year of Lincoln's election to the presidency. Good quality.
19mm
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