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1865 Plain 5

Small Cents · Indian Head Cents · 1859–1909
Regular
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 35,429,286 Combined mintage for all 1865 varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
DesignerJames B. Longacre
Collector's Key IDCK-326

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About this coinHistory

The 1865 Plain 5 variety uses a numeral punch where the 5 has a simpler, less ornate serif at the top. The difference from the Fancy 5 is consistent but not dramatic, and identifying the variety requires either comparison with a reference image or familiarity with both styles. The Plain 5 is collected as a separate die marriage from the Fancy 5.

Both 1865 varieties share the same historical context: the final months of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction. The coin circulated during one of the most consequential periods in American history. Neither variety is scarce by Indian Head standards, and a collector who wants both will find each available with moderate searching.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1865 Plain 5 Indian Head Cents were minted?
35,429,286 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1865 varieties).
What is a 1865 Plain 5 Indian Head Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1865 Plain 5 Indian Head Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1865 Plain 5 Indian Head Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.