1863 Indian Head Cent

Updated September 4, 2026

Lot number232
AuctionSeptember 13th Special Coin Auction
DateSeptember 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM CDT
Auction houseCrawford Auction Service
LocationClinton, Missouri

An 1863 Indian Head cent of the thick copper-nickel type, and the pale gray-brown color is right for that alloy. All four date digits are clearly legible on the coin. The reverse field below the wreath ribbon is in focus and empty, correct because 1863 cents were struck only at Philadelphia. Wear is even and honest: the headdress feathers survive as outlines and the headband word is gone, while the reverse wreath, shield and ONE CENT are complete and bold. Rims and dentils are full. Surfaces are dark gray-brown with grime in the recesses and cardboard fibers from the flip. No corrosion, verdigris, scratches or cleaning brightness. One correction: the catalog line said graded Fine by the consignor, but no grade is written anywhere on this flip, which reads only 1863 IHP, so we quote none. The coin is raw and has not been certified by PCGS or NGC. These Civil War cents used a nickel alloy so hard it wrecked dies, which is why the Mint switched to thin bronze in 1864. Estimated Value: $3 to $6. Sold as-is. Photos are the most accurate description of this lot. Written descriptions are a guide only and may contain errors. Please review all photos before bidding.

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