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The Certified Indian Head Cent 1859 MS63 PCGS is a distinguished example of the first year of issue for one of America’s most celebrated coin series. Designed by James Barton Longacre, the Indian Head Cent debuted in 1859 as a replacement for the short-lived Flying Eagle Cent. This inaugural year holds particular importance because it features a unique reverse design that would be used for just a single year, making the 1859 Indian Head Cent a prized type coin. Graded Mint State 63 by PCGS, this specimen offers collectors an attractive combination of historical significance, strong eye appeal, and the assurance of quality that comes with certification by one of the most respected grading services in the numismatic world.
The Indian Head Cent was born out of a need for a more practical and attractive small cent design. The Flying Eagle Cent, introduced in 1856 and struck for circulation in 1857 and 1858, proved difficult to strike properly and lacked the aesthetic charm desired by the Mint. Longacre’s new design featured a representation of Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, blending neoclassical artistry with an American cultural motif. The series would eventually run until 1909, becoming one of the most beloved and heavily collected in U.S. coinage. The 1859 issue stands apart from later years by its distinct reverse, which features a simple laurel wreath without the shield that would be added starting in 1860.
The obverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent portrays a left-facing Liberty crowned with a feathered headdress bearing the word "LIBERTY" across the band. Encircling the portrait are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," with the date "1859" positioned prominently at the bottom. On a certified MS63 example by PCGS, Liberty’s features are sharply struck, with clear detailing visible in her hair, the headdress feathers, and the facial profile. The fields are bright and lustrous, exhibiting only minimal contact marks that are well within the expectations of the grade. The coin’s color typically shows a pleasant blend of the original copper-nickel brightness with subtle mellowing tones, indicative of natural preservation over more than a century and a half.
The reverse design of the 1859 Indian Head Cent is characterized by a laurel wreath encircling the words "ONE CENT" at the center. Unlike the oak wreath and shield reverse introduced in 1860, the 1859 design is more open and graceful, giving the coin a lighter and more classical aesthetic. On a PCGS MS63 certified example, the fine veins in the laurel leaves and the boldness of the denomination are sharply defined, showing only the faintest signs of handling or minor planchet marks. The open design and brilliant luster combine to create strong eye appeal, with attractive light reflections enhancing the intricate artistry of Longacre’s early work.
The 1859 Indian Head Cent was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, with a substantial mintage of approximately 36,400,000 coins. Despite the large production number for the time, the single-year reverse design, combined with the collectible appeal of first-year issues, ensures that demand for 1859 Indian Head Cents remains strong. While circulated examples are readily available, Mint State coins like this MS63-certified piece are much scarcer, particularly those that have survived with full original surfaces and strong strikes. High-grade 1859 cents are especially sought after by type collectors, who value the distinctiveness and beauty of the one-year laurel wreath reverse.
The condition of the Certified Indian Head Cent 1859 MS63 PCGS is a testament to careful preservation and fortunate survival. Mint State 63 coins are expected to have full original mint luster, an above-average strike, and minimal marks or abrasions that do not significantly detract from overall appearance. This 1859 cent displays bright, attractive fields, with only minor ticks or light contact marks visible under magnification. The high points of Liberty’s cheek and headdress are crisp and show little, if any, flattening, while the laurel wreath on the reverse remains detailed and well-centered. The original copper-nickel composition, distinctive to this early period, lends the coin a lighter, silvery hue compared to the later bronze issues, adding to its visual appeal.
The Indian Head Cent series represents a crucial era in American numismatics, spanning the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Gilded Age. The 1859 issue, with its unique reverse and transitional significance from the Flying Eagle design, offers collectors a fascinating glimpse into the Mint’s efforts to refine and perfect small cent production. The introduction of the Indian Head design heralded a period of innovation and stylistic evolution in American coinage, and the Certified MS63 specimen captures that moment with remarkable fidelity. Collectors value these early dates for their historical weight and artistic merit, and securing a well-preserved example like this is a notable achievement in any serious collection.
The combination of the coin’s first-year status, one-year-only reverse design, and Mint State preservation makes the 1859 Indian Head Cent in MS63 a key piece for multiple types of collectors. Those assembling type sets seek it for its distinct reverse, while Indian Head Cent specialists prize it as the beginning of the series. Furthermore, collectors who appreciate high-quality copper-nickel coins find the bright surfaces and strong strikes of this issue particularly rewarding. PCGS certification adds an additional layer of assurance, confirming the authenticity, grade, and preservation of the coin while offering protection through secure encapsulation.
Long-term prospects for Certified Indian Head Cent 1859 MS63 PCGS coins remain robust, driven by the enduring popularity of the Indian Head Cent series and the perpetual interest in first-year issues. As demand for classic U.S. coins continues to grow, coins like this that offer historical importance, aesthetic beauty, and certified quality are increasingly prized by collectors and investors alike. Whether acquired to complete a type collection, enhance a date set, or simply admired for its artistry and significance, the 1859 Indian Head Cent in MS63 condition represents a pinnacle of 19th-century American numismatics, offering timeless appeal and lasting value.
The Certified Indian Head Cent 1859 MS63 PCGS exemplifies the finest qualities of early U.S. small-cent production: thoughtful design, historical relevance, and striking beauty. With its sharp detail, luminous surfaces, and remarkable state of preservation, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of James Longacre and the enduring legacy of the United States Mint. For collectors seeking to own a cornerstone piece of American coinage history, the 1859 Indian Head Cent in Mint State 63 is an unparalleled treasure, blending the artistry of the past with the promise of continued appreciation in the future.