1859 Indian Head Cent First-Year-of-Issue Type Classic 221

Denomination: Small Cent

Coin: Indian Head

Composition: Copper

Year: 1859

Color: BN

Strike Type: Business

Fineness: 0.95

Mint Location: Philadelphia

KM Number: 109

Variety: Copper Bronze

Country of Origin: United States

Own a genuine piece of first-year American copper-nickel history! Struck at the Philadelphia Mint under President James Buchanan, this 1859 Indian Head Cent represents the inaugural issue of James B. Longacre's famous series, featuring the sought-after Round Bust variety.

During the initial production run in 1859, the profile truncation at Liberty's bust was rounded where it meets the field, creating the distinct Round Bust variety before being modified to the Pointed Bust format later in the series. Unique to 1859, the reverse features the one-year-only Laurel Wreath with no shield at the top. Struck in heavy 88% copper and 12% nickel ("white cent" alloy), this coin circulated heavily on the eve of the Civil War. In an authentic Good (G-4) condition, it provides a complete outline, fully readable date, and essential variety status for any serious Indian Head collector.