The Certified 1859 Indian Head Cent, graded MS64 by PCGS, is a historic and highly sought-after coin that marks the beginning of one of the most beloved series in American numismatics. The Indian Head Cent series, which ran from 1859 to 1909, was designed by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The 1859 issue is particularly significant because it was the first year of production and features a unique reverse design that would be used for just one year before being changed in 1860. As the debut coin in the series, the 1859 Indian Head Cent holds a special place in U.S. coinage history and is highly prized by collectors. In MS64 condition, this coin is a rare find, boasting excellent preservation and strong eye appeal.

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The obverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent features the iconic portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, a design that became one of the most recognizable in U.S. coinage. Liberty is depicted facing left, with her hair cascading down her shoulders and the headdress adorned with feathers. The word \"LIBERTY\" is inscribed on the band of the headdress. Longacre’s design was intended to symbolize the unity of Native American culture with the values of freedom and democracy that Liberty represents. This was a bold artistic choice at the time, as the use of Native American imagery on U.S. coinage was relatively uncommon. The obverse is framed by the inscription \"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA\" around the edge, with the date \"1859\" placed directly below the bust of Liberty. In an MS64 example, the fine details of Liberty’s face, hair, and feathers are well-preserved, and the coin’s original mint luster is still present, adding to its visual appeal.

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The reverse of the 1859 Indian Head Cent features a simple but elegant design with the denomination \"ONE CENT\" encircled by a laurel wreath. This reverse design was only used for the 1859 issue, making it unique among the Indian Head Cent series. In 1860, the laurel wreath would be replaced by an oak wreath with a shield at the top, a design that would remain in place until the series ended in 1909. The reverse of the 1859 cent reflects Longacre’s preference for classical motifs, with the laurel wreath symbolizing victory and civic virtue. The clean, open fields of the reverse, combined with the bold lettering of the denomination, make the design both aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. In MS64 condition, the reverse exhibits sharp details in the wreath and crisp lettering, with minimal marks or imperfections, which is impressive given the coin’s age.

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The 1859 Indian Head Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which at the time was the primary facility for producing U.S. coins. The Philadelphia Mint had been in operation since 1792 and was responsible for striking the nation’s circulating coinage. The Indian Head Cent was introduced to replace the earlier Flying Eagle Cent, which had been in production from 1856 to 1858. The Flying Eagle Cent had encountered production difficulties due to its high-relief design, which led to uneven strikes and excessive die wear. The Indian Head Cent, with its lower-relief design, was intended to address these issues and provide a more practical and aesthetically pleasing coin for circulation. The 1859 issue had a substantial mintage of 36,400,000 coins, but finding well-preserved, high-grade examples like this MS64 piece is rare, as most of the coins were heavily circulated or worn down over time.

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In terms of composition, the 1859 Indian Head Cent is made of 88% copper and 12% nickel, a composition known as \"nickel-copper.\" This alloy was chosen for its durability and ease of striking, as well as its distinct color, which set the coin apart from other copper coins in circulation at the time. The nickel content gave the coin a lighter, more silvery appearance compared to the pure copper cents that had been minted previously. However, this composition would be changed in 1864, when the Mint switched to a bronze alloy due to the rising cost of nickel and the need for a more affordable coinage metal during the Civil War. The 1859 Indian Head Cent, therefore, represents the early years of the series when nickel-copper alloy was still in use.

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The MS64 grade from PCGS signifies that this 1859 Indian Head Cent is in near-gem condition, with only minor imperfections that are not immediately visible to the naked eye. Coins in this grade exhibit strong luster, sharp strikes, and minimal contact marks, making them highly desirable for collectors who appreciate both the historical significance and the aesthetic beauty of the coin. The MS64 grade places this coin among the finest examples of the 1859 issue, as most surviving examples are found in lower grades due to heavy circulation. Collectors prize high-grade Indian Head Cents for their eye appeal and rarity, and this MS64 piece is an excellent representation of the series’ inaugural year.

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The Certified 1859 Indian Head Cent MS64 PCGS is a remarkable coin that offers both historical importance and exceptional quality. As the first year of issue for the Indian Head Cent series, the 1859 cent holds a unique place in U.S. coinage history, and its one-year-only reverse design adds to its collectibility. The coin’s sharp details, original luster, and high-grade preservation make it a standout piece in any numismatic collection. For collectors of 19th-century U.S. coins or those interested in the history of American coinage, this 1859 Indian Head Cent is a must-have, representing a key moment in the evolution of the nation’s currency and the artistry of its coin designs.

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The 1996 China 5 Yuan 1/20th Ounce Gold Unicorn coin is a remarkable piece that captures the rich cultural heritage of China while showcasing the beauty of one of the most mythical and revered creatures in Chinese mythology: the unicorn. This coin was issued by the People's Republic of China in 1996 as part of a limited series of gold bullion coins designed to highlight various elements of Chinese history and legend. The coin’s fine gold composition and unique design make it a standout piece for collectors, as well as an attractive investment for those looking to diversify their portfolios with precious metals.

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The 5 Yuan 1/20th Ounce Gold Unicorn coin is part of China’s annual series of gold bullion coins, which have been minted since 1982. These coins feature different themes each year, typically centered around significant aspects of Chinese culture, history, or mythology. The 1996 coin, with its depiction of the unicorn, stands out for its combination of artistic design and symbolic meaning. The unicorn is considered a legendary creature that symbolizes good fortune, peace, and prosperity in Chinese folklore, and its inclusion in this series brings these auspicious qualities into focus for collectors and investors alike.

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The design of the 1996 China 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn coin is both intricate and elegant, with a strong focus on the mythical creature. On the obverse side of the coin, the unicorn is depicted in a dynamic and lifelike pose, captured in the midst of motion. Its flowing mane and body are detailed in a way that emphasizes the ethereal nature of the creature, with intricate lines and shading that enhance its majestic presence. The unicorn is shown with a graceful, spiral horn, which is one of the defining features of this mythical beast. The reverse side of the coin features the national emblem of the People's Republic of China, with the inscription \"人民共和國\" (People's Republic of China) above and the year \"1996\" beneath. Surrounding the emblem is the denomination \"五元\" (5 Yuan), indicating the face value of the coin. The coin is also inscribed with the words “1/20 Ounce Gold,” denoting the weight of the coin, which is precisely 1/20th of an ounce of pure gold.

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The reverse design, featuring the national emblem, is another hallmark of the series, offering a visual connection between the coin’s cultural significance and its connection to China’s modern identity. The emblem itself consists of five stars, the Great Wall, and a red ribbon, all representing the unity of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party. The coin’s proof finish enhances the clarity of the design, with highly polished, mirror-like surfaces and frosted details, giving the coin a vibrant, three-dimensional appearance. The reverse design of the coin speaks to the strength of Chinese national pride, while the unicorn depicted on the obverse adds a layer of mythological and symbolic richness to the piece.

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Produced by the China Mint, the 1996 China 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn coin is struck with the highest standards of craftsmanship, using 24-karat gold. The coin contains 1/20th of an ounce of pure gold, which is the equivalent of approximately 1.55 grams. The 24-karat gold used in the coin’s production ensures that the metal content is of the highest quality, contributing to the intrinsic value of the coin. As a result of its gold content, the coin holds both numismatic and bullion value. Gold bullion coins, like the 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn, are sought after not only by collectors but also by investors who view them as a secure and reliable store of wealth. Over time, gold coins like these tend to retain their value, and their worth often appreciates as the price of gold rises in the global market.

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One of the key factors that makes the 1996 China 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn coin particularly valuable is its limited mintage. As with all of China’s annual gold bullion coins, the 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn was produced in a limited quantity, ensuring its rarity and desirability among collectors. While the exact mintage for the 1996 coin is not readily available in all sources, it is known that such coins are struck in relatively low numbers, making them rare and highly collectible. The limited mintage means that fewer pieces are available on the market, which drives demand among numismatists and precious metal investors alike. As a result, the coin’s value is influenced not only by its gold content but also by the scarcity of the piece.

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As for its condition, the 1996 China 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn coin is typically found in either proof or uncirculated condition, depending on how it has been handled over the years. The coin was minted with high standards of precision and care, and when preserved in a protective capsule or case, it can maintain its appearance with minimal signs of wear or handling. Given that the coin was released as a collectible item, most pieces are well-preserved and may be found in excellent condition with little to no surface imperfections. A coin that remains in mint condition will generally command a higher price on the secondary market, especially given its limited mintage and aesthetic appeal.

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The 1996 China 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn coin has become a valuable addition to many collections, particularly those that focus on Chinese history, mythology, or gold coins. The coin represents a unique intersection of culture and craftsmanship, with its celebration of Chinese traditions and the legendary creature of the unicorn. Whether as part of a larger collection of Chinese gold coins or as a standalone investment piece, the 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn coin offers collectors and investors an opportunity to acquire a piece of history that combines art, symbolism, and precious metal.

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In conclusion, the 1996 China 5 Yuan 1/20th Ounce Gold Unicorn coin is a fine example of China’s commitment to producing high-quality, culturally rich numismatic pieces. The coin’s detailed design, including the depiction of the unicorn and the national emblem of China, reflects the importance of both mythological creatures and national pride in Chinese culture. With its limited mintage, gold content, and impeccable condition, the coin serves as a valuable addition to any collection or investment portfolio. Whether admired for its design or prized for its intrinsic value, the 1996 China 5 Yuan Gold Unicorn coin is a testament to the artistry and symbolism of Chinese coinage.

",66,"2011-11-03T14:22:54+0000","china-5-yuan-1-20th-ounce-gold-1996-unicorn","($Gold*.05)*1.30","

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