1863 Indian Head Penny
The Indian Head Cent was struck in two metal compositions. From 1859 to mid 1864, the cent was struck in a metal composition consisting of 88% copper and 12% nickel, weighing 4.67 grams, or 72 grains. This metal proved to be too hard to strike, and in 1864 the composition was changed to a bronze alloy. This consisted of 95% copper and 5% zinc and tin. The bronze cents weigh 3.11 grams, or 48 grains.
The front has a basic indian head with 13 stars that circle the head with 1863 at the bottom. The other side has a wreath that almost connects at the top of the coin with three arrows wrapped in ribbon wrapped around the wreath. It was just 111 miles away! But as the battle waged the mint ignored the threat and continued to strike coins like this 1863 Indian Head Cent. The coin features Miss Liberty in an Indian Headdress and a wreath capped by the symbol of the North-the Union Shield. 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The 1864 Indian Head penny that contained the copper-nickel alloys sells for about a 30 percent premium over the bronze alloy. 1864 Indian Head Penny: No 'L' on Ribbon. Heritage Auction Galleries. There are two varieties of the bronze 1864 Indian Head penny. This 1863 Indian Head Cent has been certified as MS-65 by PCGS, one of the top two coin grading services. This highly collectible coin is a great addition to any numismatic collection! Coin Highlights.
Both compositions have a diameter of 19 millimeters, and all have a plain edge. The final two years were also produced at the San Francisco Mint, and the “S” mintmark is found on the reverse, under the wreath.
Copper Indian Head Cent
Dates: 1859-1864
Mint Mark: none
Composition: 88% copper, 12% nickel
Weight: 4.67 grams
Diameter: 19 mm
Edge: plain
Designer: James B. Longacre
Bronze Indian Head Cent
Dates: 1864-1909
Mint Mark: none (Philadelphia), S (San Francisco)
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19 mm
Edge: plain
Designer: James B. Longacre
- 1863 Indian Head Pennies
Coin Info
1863 Indian Head cents were made with a copper-nickel alloy, which is fairly unusual for a denomination much more associated with the later bronze composition. This copper-nickel composition makes for a much more whitish appearance than many collectors would be accustomed to on the penny. 1863 would be the last full year that this composition was used, as in 1864 the U.S. Mint began using the bronze composition.
1863 Indian Head pennies were struck in huge quantities, with some 49,840,000 business strikes made; this means the 1863 penny is the most common of all copper-nickel Indian Head pennies, and this fact is seen in the price of Good-4 specimens, which sell for as little as $9 – about half the amount of some other copper-nickel Indian Head pennies.
460 proof 1863 pennies were made, and these are valued at around $3,100. Most Indian Head penny collectors vie for the business strikes to include in albums and series sets. The 1863 is also a popular choice for type set coin collectors who want an example of a copper-nickel Indian Head cent. For the most part, you should have little difficulty in finding nicely worn pieces, but do be sure to avoid corroded or specimens or those showing other signs of damage.