1879 Indian Head Cent
About This Coin
James B. Longacre’s Indian Head portrait, introduced on the cent in 1859, remains one of the most enduring icons of nineteenth-century American coinage. By 1879, the nation was emerging from the economic disruptions of the prior decade, and the Philadelphia Mint was producing some of its most refined work for contemporary collectors.
This 1879 proof representative, graded Proof 65 Red and Brown by PCGS, showcases the precise craftsmanship of the era's proof dies. Maintaining this delicate balance of original mint color requires exceptional preservation over the span of nearly a century and a half. The green CAC sticker confirms that this specimen sits at the high end of the grade, possessing the technical merits that advanced collectors seek.
For the collector of classic copper, a CAC-approved gem proof Indian Head cent from the late 1870s represents a sophisticated addition, offering a level of preservation rarely seen in circulation strikes of the era.
