1859 Indian Head Cents (1859-1909)

Intriguing History

In 1859, sectional tensions over slavery were pushing the country toward crisis -- the Dred Scott decision, the Panic of 1857, and violent conflict in "Bleeding Kansas" all unfolded in these years, while the Mint retired the old large copper cent for a smaller, more efficient coin. This Indian Head cent, designed by James B. Longacre, carried small change through exactly this stretch of American history for half a century.