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The Certified 1863 Indian Head Cent graded MS64 by NGC represents one of the finest examples of Civil War-era small cents available to collectors today. As a wartime issue struck during one of the most turbulent periods in American history, the 1863 Indian Head cent is not only a numismatic artifact but also a compelling historical relic. It belongs to the copper-nickel series, produced from 1860 to 1864, and features a thicker planchet and pale, yellowish coloration due to the alloy’s 88% copper and 12% nickel composition. Its impressive Mint State 64 grade means it retains virtually all of its original detail and luster, with only minor marks or imperfections, making it an outstanding piece for both type collectors and Indian Head cent specialists.
The Indian Head cent was introduced in 1859, designed by Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre as a replacement for the Flying Eagle cent. The coin’s obverse features a left-facing Liberty wearing a feathered war bonnet, which resembles a Native American headdress. Despite common belief, the figure is not an Indigenous person but a classical representation of Liberty dressed in Native attire—a creative and symbolic effort to blend American iconography with neoclassical style. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the portrait, while the date “1863” appears boldly beneath. On the reverse, the denomination “ONE CENT” is surrounded by an oak wreath and a prominent federal shield at the top, a design introduced in 1860 to replace the original laurel wreath.
In 1863, the United States was in the midst of the Civil War, which had begun in 1861 and would not conclude until 1865. During this time, hoarding of precious metal coins—including silver and gold—left small change in short supply. The copper-nickel cent remained in circulation longer than many other denominations because it did not contain precious metals, but even cents eventually began to disappear from daily commerce due to public uncertainty and economic instability. As a result, the U.S. Mint dramatically increased cent production to help alleviate the coin shortage. In 1863 alone, the Philadelphia Mint struck a remarkable 49,840,000 Indian Head cents—the highest mintage for the series up to that point and a record that would not be surpassed until 1879.
The 1863 Indian Head cent was produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, as there were no branch mints striking cents at the time. While the mintage was large, the survival rate of true Mint State coins is relatively modest, especially in grades MS64 and above. The hardness of the copper-nickel alloy contributed to difficulties in achieving a full, even strike, often resulting in weakness on the tips of the feathers or on Liberty’s cheek. Despite this, well-struck examples with sharp detail and strong luster are prized, and this particular NGC-certified MS64 specimen is among the top tier of surviving coins from the year in terms of condition and eye appeal.
Graded MS64 by NGC, this coin is solidly in the Choice Uncirculated category. It exhibits no signs of wear and retains full design details, with only minimal contact marks in non-distracting areas. The luster remains vibrant, often with a satiny or softly frosted texture, particularly in the protected areas around the stars, letters, and wreath elements. The color may range from light tan to golden olive or reddish-tan, depending on storage conditions and natural toning over time. This example would show a clean and well-centered strike, with Liberty’s facial features, headdress feathers, and the reverse wreath rendered sharply and cleanly.
The coin’s surfaces are a critical component of the MS64 grade, with NGC’s certification guaranteeing that the piece is free from cleaning, corrosion, or other impairments. While a coin at this grade may exhibit a few small marks or faint abrasions under magnification, these are generally confined to the fields and are not noticeable without close inspection. The rims are sharp and intact, with full denticles and a uniform strike. This attention to preservation and the integrity of the original surfaces enhances both the beauty and long-term value of the coin.
As a type coin, the 1863 Indian Head cent is one of the most popular representatives of the copper-nickel Indian Head series. The years from 1860 through 1864 form a distinct subset of the Indian Head series, differing from the bronze coins minted from 1864 onward in both metal composition and planchet thickness. The copper-nickel cents are heavier, weighing 4.67 grams compared to the later bronze issues at 3.11 grams. Collectors assembling a full Indian Head cent series or a U.S. type set often seek a high-grade copper-nickel issue like this one to represent the first era of the design, and the 1863 is an excellent and accessible choice among these early dates.
The historical importance of the 1863 cent cannot be overstated. As one of the primary coins circulating during the Civil War, it was used by soldiers, merchants, and civilians alike. Its increased production helped fill the gap created by the disappearance of silver coinage, and its widespread circulation cemented the Indian Head cent’s place in American daily life. In response to the coin shortage, private entities even began issuing Civil War tokens that mimicked the look and size of the Indian Head cent—a testament to the public’s familiarity with and reliance on this denomination during the war years.
This certified MS64 example offers collectors a nearly pristine piece of American monetary history. With its strong detail, rich surfaces, and third-party authentication by NGC, it provides both security and prestige. Whether added to a high-grade Indian Head cent collection, included in a Civil War-era numismatic display, or used to represent the copper-nickel subtype in a U.S. type set, the coin brings historical resonance and visual appeal. Its blend of rarity, condition, and historical depth ensures it will remain a sought-after specimen for generations of collectors.
In conclusion, the Certified 1863 Indian Head Cent graded MS64 by NGC is a standout coin that combines beauty, preservation, and profound historical context. Its high mintage belies the scarcity of Mint State examples in this grade, and its importance as a Civil War issue adds to its desirability. The bold Longacre design, coupled with the pale hue and thicker composition of the copper-nickel alloy, makes it a striking addition to any serious U.S. coin collection. This coin exemplifies both the artistry of mid-19th century coinage and the enduring legacy of America’s most widely collected copper series.