1859 1C MS65 认证号05999334, PCGS号2052

1859 1C MS65. This is the first year of issue for the Indian Cent design by James Barton Longacre, and it is a one-year design type. The characteristic striking weaknesses which the Mint experienced during production of the Flying Eagle Cent prompted Mint Director Colonel James Ross Snowden to order designer/engraver James Longacre to prepare other cent designs, one of which would replace the Flying Eagle as of January 1, 1859. After reviewing various pattern cents, Snowden chose the Indian/laurel wreath combination because it was in lowest relief of all the candidates, striking up better than the others. This coin became the Indian Cent, which has been immensely popular with generations of collectors. With the Indian cent design as adopted on cents from 1860 through 1909 on the obverse, and the laurel wreath reverse that was only used in this year, the 1859 has proved to be a type coin of enduring popularity. Unfortunately for the Mint as well as modern collectors, this issue proved equally difficult to strike as its Flying Eagle predecessors. Many otherwise attractive coins are limited in grade by bluntness of detail over the date, denomination, feather tips, and diamonds. Not so the present Gem. Every feature is well brought up, and the smooth surfaces are devoid of any major distractions. This example is fully lustrous and sharply struck with exquisite golden-tan coloration.The premier delivery in 1859 totaled 36.4 million pieces, and they are distinct as being the only coins in this series with a laurel wreath enclosing the denomination ONE CENT on the reverse. The obverse has a profile of Liberty facing to the left, wearing a headdress consisting of nine broad feathers. The band on the headdress is inscribed with the word LIBERTY, and a ribbon hangs down near the neck, containing four decorative diamonds. A small raised die chip on Liberty's cheek identifies this obverse die. The reverse consists of a laurel wreath, open at the top, and tied by a ribbon at the bottom. This wreath encloses the denomination ONE CENT. The reverse die is well-made without any die defects.

David Hall

The 1859 is the first year of issue for the very important Indian Head cent series. Because a shield was added to the reverse in1860, the 1859 is also a one-year-only type coin. I have always felt this issue doesn't get the respect it deserves. Gems are definitely rare. In 1973, I had a customer tell me to buy him every Gem Flying Eagle cent and 1859 Indian cent I could find. In a year, I was able to find 35 Gem Flying Eagles, but only 8 Gem 1859 Indian cents.

Most 1859 Indians are relatively well struck. Luster and color are typical for the 1859-1864 Copper-nickel composition Indian Head cents. There are many examples with subdued luster you could call mediocre. I have seen very few examples with what we would all call "blazing" luster, certainly less than I have seen of some of the other Copper-nickel dates.

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Jaime Hernandez

This is a one year Type and also the first regular issue Indian Head and Wreath design. The fact that this was a first year design and it having a large mintage, many examples were saved and examples of this issue in circulated grades are easily obtainable.