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1860
| Weight | 4.67 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Circulation strike |
| Mintage | 20,566,000 Combined mintage for all 1860 varieties |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 88% Copper, 12% Nickel |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-309 |
Collection
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Other recorded varieties for 1860:
- 1860 Pointed Bust · Pointed Bust
External references
The 1860 Indian Head cent introduced the Oak Wreath with Shield reverse that would remain the standard for the rest of the series. The simpler Laurel Wreath of 1859 was replaced by a more elaborate wreath of oak leaves with a small federal shield at the top. The reverse change gave the coin a more official, governmental appearance. The obverse portrait remained the same, though minor refinements to the portrait continued across die pairs.
The 1860 was struck in large quantity (over 20 million coins) and circulated widely. The United States was on the brink of the Civil War, which would begin in April 1861. The economic dislocations of the coming conflict would affect coinage profoundly: within two years, hoarding would drive coins of all denominations out of circulation, and the Mint would respond with emergency measures including composition changes and fractional currency notes.
Surviving 1860 cents are available across a wide grade range. The coin is a natural choice for representing the Oak Wreath reverse in a type set. Good to Fine examples are affordable, and Uncirculated coins, while scarcer, appear at auction regularly enough that a selective buyer can find one with good strike and attractive surfaces.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-4 | Good (G) | $10 | $11.50 |
| VG-8 | Very Good (VG) | $14.50 | $16.50 |
| F-12 | Fine (F) | $19.50 | $23 |
| VF-20 | Very Fine (VF) | $36 | $42 |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine (EF) | $65 | $75 |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated (AU) | $94 | $108 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated (MS) | $162 | $187 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | $345 | $365 |
How much is a 1860 Indian Head Cent worth?
How many 1860 Indian Head Cents were minted?
What is a 1860 Indian Head Cent made of?
What is the melt value of a 1860 Indian Head Cent?
Is the 1860 Indian Head Cent a key date?
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