United States: copper-nickel Indian Head cent, 1864

Obverse: Liberty head left, in Indian (Native American) feathered bonnet.
Reverse: Value within oak wreath tied with ribbon and arrows, shield above.
Issuer: United States of America, Philadelphia Mint.
Specifications: Copper-nickel, 19 mm, 4.67 g. Mintage 13,740,000. Coin alignment (↑↓).
Grade: NGC XF45; cert. #2045066-063. In holder with "Stack's W 57th St Collection" pedigree label.
Reference: PCGS-2070, Numista-1108.
Provenance: Ex-David Lawrence Rare Coins, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA, 7 December 2020.* Prior provenance to Stacks-Bowers Galleries, New York, as indicated by the slab label.
Notes: the earliest Indian cents of 1859-1864, like the Flying Eagle cents of 1856-1858 which preceded them, were struck in an alloy of 88% copper and 12% nickel. This gave them a much lighter color than the later, thinner bronze cents. The Civil War year of 1864 brought the transition from copper-nickel to bronze cents and this was the final issue and second-lowest mintage of the copper-nickel type.
Comments: Personally, I like the way some copper-nickel cents acquired a "dirty" sort of toning in circulation, though I suppose "antique patina" would be a fancier way to describe it. The darker toning provides some contrast which sets off the design and lettering. This particular coin is a nice though not exceptional example. I found it wholesome enough to add to my collection. It has a slightly lighter appearance in hand than the photos indicate.

Fuente : https://www.cointalk.com/threads/united-...

Colección : Sold Items