Lot 1085
1860 Indian Head Cent. PCGS graded Proof 65. A visually appealing example with moderate mirrors and exceptional eye appeal. The surfaces are free of any contact marks. The coin exhibits a beautiful light golden tone. The first year of the series featuring the Lady Liberty in a Native American headdress paired with the new reverse featuring a wreath of oak with a sprig of olive and three arrows knotted at the base with a ribbon. The federal shield of the Union is featured above the wreath. This design is continued until the end of the series, with minor modifications along the way.
This is a very tough date to find in full gem condition. The majority of the estimated mintage of 542 was struck only once, imparting an impression that usually did not strike out all of the planchet marks. The quality of the 1860 issue is always somewhat lacking in the quality seen up to 1859 and after 1861. They are nearly always seen with mirrors that are only moderate and edges that are rounded, which is why these are sometimes confused as being prooflike strikings. The population figures bear this out with only 19 examples presently graded with 2 better by PCGS.
In early 1860 the portrait was redesigned significantly for some unknown reason. The main difference in the two designs is the shape of the bust truncation. The type of 1859 has a short pointed bust truncation. The type adopted in 1860 has a more rounded bust point. All proofs are struck from the rounded bust design.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,500.
Includes Eagle Eye Photo Seal.
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| Realized $4,370 |
