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The 1868 Indian Head Cent stands as a noteworthy representative of post–Civil War American coinage and reflects the economic and cultural transitions of the Reconstruction era. Designed by James Barton Longacre, the Indian Head Cent had been introduced less than a decade earlier in 1859 and had undergone several modifications by 1868, including a shift from copper-nickel alloy to bronze in 1864. The 1868 issue was struck solely at the Philadelphia Mint and remains one of the better-known dates in the earlier bronze series. Collectors value it for its relative scarcity in higher grades, its historical context, and the beauty of its enduring design. In Extra Fine (XF) condition, the 1868 Indian Head Cent offers substantial detail and eye appeal, capturing the essence of Longacre’s artistry while showing only light wear from circulation.
The obverse of the 1868 Indian Head Cent features the well-known image of Liberty wearing a Native American-style feathered headdress, facing left. This classic design, sometimes misinterpreted as a representation of an Indigenous person, was intended to merge classical ideals with American symbolism. In Extra Fine condition, Liberty’s cheek, jawline, and the general outline of the portrait remain clearly defined. Most of the headdress feathers show good separation, although their central lines may exhibit minor wear. The ribbon that binds the hair and feathers behind Liberty’s head is visible, and the inscription “LIBERTY” on the coronet is mostly intact—typically four to six letters are clear in XF specimens. The legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircles the upper portion of the design, with the date “1868” prominently positioned below the bust. The fields and rims are mostly clean and full, with only minimal flattening on the high points.
The reverse of the 1868 cent carries the denomination “ONE CENT” within a laurel wreath, which is tied at the bottom with a ribbon and topped by a Union shield. This reverse design had been introduced in 1860 and remained consistent through the end of the series in 1909. On a coin in Extra Fine condition, much of the detail in the oak leaves remains, with visible definition on the leaf edges and partial central lines. The bow tying the base of the wreath may show minor flattening but retains enough shape to be easily distinguishable. The shield at the top remains bold, with its outline well preserved and some vertical line detail still visible. The central inscription is fully legible and evenly impressed. Overall, the reverse design presents a pleasing balance of preservation and historical authenticity in this grade.
The 1868 Indian Head Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which at the time was the sole producer of U.S. cents. The coin was produced in the new bronze alloy adopted in 1864, consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. This composition was chosen for both economic and practical reasons, allowing the Mint to produce thinner, lighter coins that were more suitable for use in commerce. The bronze cents are smaller in diameter than their copper-nickel predecessors and exhibit a richer brown or red-brown hue. The switch to bronze also permitted the use of smaller planchets and less metal per coin, helping address coin shortages during and after the Civil War.
The mintage of the 1868 Indian Head Cent totaled 10,266,500 coins, placing it among the moderately produced dates of the series. While this mintage is not especially low by Indian Head cent standards, the number of surviving examples in higher circulated grades like Extra Fine is comparatively limited. Many coins from the 1860s saw extensive use during the economic turbulence of the Reconstruction era, and as a result, well-preserved pieces have become scarcer over time. Today, collectors seek out 1868 cents not only as date fillers but also for their role in illustrating the evolution of U.S. small cent coinage in the post-war years.
In Extra Fine condition, the 1868 Indian Head Cent retains roughly 75–80% of its original design detail. The high points show moderate wear, most notably on Liberty’s hair, cheekbone, and the feathers of the headdress, but the general portrait remains strong and complete. On the reverse, the wreath and shield are clear and well-balanced, with most of the design elements still recognizable. Coins in this grade should exhibit even coloration—often a medium chocolate brown with hints of red-brown—without major discoloration, corrosion, or damage. Minor contact marks from circulation may be present, but they should not be distracting or interfere with the overall eye appeal. XF examples strike an ideal balance between affordability and detail, making them especially desirable for collectors building a circulated type set or a date run of the series.
The surfaces of a properly preserved XF 1868 cent should be smooth and consistent, with no signs of harsh cleaning or chemical treatment. Original patina is an important factor in both aesthetic appeal and value. Collectors are encouraged to seek coins that show honest wear and natural aging, as these attributes enhance the historical character of the coin. Some examples may exhibit light toning or subtle shifts in color, which can range from olive and brown to reddish or golden highlights, depending on storage conditions over the past century and a half. A sharp rim and clean legends further elevate the coin’s desirability within the grade.
The historical significance of the 1868 Indian Head Cent lies in its issuance during a turbulent period in American history. The Civil War had ended just three years earlier, and the nation was deep into Reconstruction, grappling with reintegration of the Southern states and the challenges of rebuilding the economy. Coinage served a vital role in restoring commerce and confidence, and the continued minting of Indian Head cents reflected the government’s effort to standardize and stabilize the currency system. As everyday instruments of exchange, these coins circulated widely across the country, making those that survived in higher grades treasured remnants of a transformative era.
The 1868 cent is also part of a group of pre-1879 Indian Head cents that are more difficult to locate in high circulated grades due to heavy usage. It holds a mid-tier position in terms of rarity, and its value increases significantly in grades above VF, especially when accompanied by strong detail and appealing toning. Collectors seeking to complete a 19th-century cent collection will find the 1868 issue a satisfying acquisition, particularly when preserved in Extra Fine condition. It also appeals to enthusiasts of American history, thanks to its symbolic design and connection to the post-war period of national reconstruction and reconciliation.
In summary, the 1868 Indian Head Cent in Extra Fine condition offers collectors a historically rich, visually compelling, and moderately scarce example of 19th-century U.S. bronze coinage. With its clear yet gently worn features, natural surfaces, and strong strike, this coin bridges the artistry of Longacre’s design with the historical circumstances of its time. Whether part of a type set, date run, or Civil War–era collection, the XF 1868 Indian Head Cent remains an enduring and valuable piece of American numismatic heritage.