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The Indian Head Cent Uncirculated 1868 RB (Red-Brown) is a truly remarkable example from the early era of James Barton Longacre’s enduring design. First issued in 1859, the Indian Head cent quickly became a mainstay of American commerce during a period marked by the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the nation’s rapid expansion. The 1868 issue was produced at a time when the United States was grappling with the social, political, and economic upheaval that followed the Civil War. As such, the 1868 Indian Head cent carries both numismatic and historical significance, serving as a tangible artifact of a country striving to rebuild and redefine itself. In uncirculated condition with a Red-Brown designation, this coin offers a rare combination of full design detail, strong mint luster, and the charming natural toning that collectors treasure.
The obverse of the 1868 Indian Head cent features the familiar depiction of Liberty wearing a Native American-style feathered headdress, a design intended to blend classical symbolism with American themes. Liberty’s portrait is encircled by the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” with the date “1868” positioned below. James B. Longacre’s vision was to symbolize the spirit of America rather than portray an actual Native American, blending ideals of freedom, unity, and strength. On an uncirculated RB example, the finer elements of Liberty’s hair, the feather details, and the word "LIBERTY" on the headband are all sharply struck and fully visible. The surfaces exhibit a blend of original red mint color with shades of brown, offering a warm, appealing appearance that enhances the three-dimensional beauty of the design.
The reverse design of the 1868 Indian Head cent is equally compelling, featuring an oak wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom and crowned at the top by a Union shield. Within the wreath is the denomination “ONE CENT” in bold, classic lettering. The oak wreath and shield motif, introduced in 1860, was intended to evoke strength, resilience, and national unity, themes that were particularly poignant during the Reconstruction era. In uncirculated condition, the oak leaves display sharp veins and finely serrated edges, while the shield above retains its intricate crosshatching and defined borders. The coin’s RB surfaces lend a rich, aged beauty to the raised devices, and the mirrored fields catch light elegantly, adding to the visual appeal of this Civil War-era relic.
The 1868 Indian Head cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, as no branch mints produced cents at the time, and accordingly, it bears no mintmark. The official mintage for the year was reported at approximately 10,266,500 coins. While this figure may seem substantial, the survival rate of uncirculated examples is relatively low, especially those maintaining any portion of their original red luster. Many of the coins produced were immediately placed into circulation, where they saw heavy daily use in the postwar economy. As a result, finding a true Mint State 1868 cent with attractive Red-Brown toning and strong strike qualities is increasingly difficult, and such examples are considered highly desirable by both type collectors and specialists assembling complete Indian Head cent collections.
The Uncirculated Red-Brown condition of this 1868 Indian Head cent is a testament to its exceptional preservation over more than 150 years. In Mint State, the coin displays no evidence of wear on the highest points of the design, such as Liberty’s cheekbone, jawline, or the tips of the headdress feathers. The fields are free of any circulation marks, though minor contact ticks from the minting and handling process may be seen under magnification, consistent with the grade. The luster remains strong across the fields and devices, and the interplay of remaining red mint color and natural brown toning gives the coin an especially vibrant and pleasing aesthetic. This combination of preserved luster, color, and strike places the coin in the upper echelon of surviving examples from this important year.
Color plays a particularly important role in the desirability of 19th-century copper coins, and the Red-Brown (RB) designation signals that the coin retains a significant portion of its original fiery red mint coloration, typically ranging from 5% to 95%, mixed with natural brown toning. On this 1868 specimen, the remaining red hues can often be seen highlighting the protected areas around the lettering, within the wreath, and across Liberty’s headdress, while the open fields and higher points exhibit mellowed shades of brown. This natural progression of color is a hallmark of originality, signaling that the coin has not been subjected to harsh cleaning or artificial preservation, both of which can detract from numismatic value and historical authenticity.
Historically, the 1868 Indian Head cent occupies a crucial position during America’s Reconstruction period. Currency was essential to rebuilding the national economy, and small-denomination coins like the cent were critical for everyday commerce. The use of copper-nickel in earlier Indian Head cents had been phased out by 1864 in favor of a bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), which continued through the 1868 issue. This change made the coins lighter and more economical to produce while maintaining their durability in circulation. The cent became the workhorse of American commerce, buying newspapers, candies, and small household items during a time when both Northern and Southern economies were struggling to recover from the ravages of the Civil War.
The artistic and technical achievements of the Indian Head cent series, combined with its broad historical resonance, continue to make it one of the most popular 19th-century American coin types. Within the series, the 1868 issue offers an excellent opportunity for collectors to acquire an early-date example that balances affordability with historical and numismatic interest. Unlike certain rare dates from the 1870s, the 1868 cent is attainable, yet high-quality uncirculated examples are scarce enough to command strong premiums, especially when they feature appealing Red-Brown surfaces. Collectors who focus on the beauty of natural toning and the charm of original surfaces find great satisfaction in coins like this, where the passage of time has only enhanced the coin’s historical narrative and visual allure.
The Certified Indian Head Cent Uncirculated 1868 RB exemplifies everything that makes the series beloved: classic design, rich historical context, technical excellence, and timeless beauty. With its sharp strike, strong surviving luster, original Red-Brown coloration, and complete Mint State preservation, this coin is a superior representative of its date and type. Whether forming part of an Indian Head cent date set, a 19th-century U.S. type set, or standing alone as a singular example of American artistry during a time of profound national change, the 1868 RB Indian Head cent remains a numismatic treasure. Its combination of historical importance, aesthetic appeal, and enduring craftsmanship ensures it will be cherished for generations to come.