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1865 Proof
| Weight | 3.11 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | Proof |
| Mintage | 500 |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-324 |
Collection
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No additional varieties recorded for this strike.
External references
The 1865 proof Indian Head cent was struck in the new bronze composition, continuing the proof production that had run uninterrupted through the Civil War. Approximately 500 proofs were produced. The bronze takes a rich proof finish that develops color over time, ranging from brilliant red on early-generation proofs to deep brown on pieces that have toned fully. Original red or red-brown proofs carry significant premiums over brown examples.
The 1865 proof represents the first full year of bronze proof production. The 1864 Bronze proofs were transitional (struck mid-year after the composition change), but the 1865 proofs were bronze from start to finish. The Mint had settled into the new composition, and the proof quality reflects that confidence. Strike quality on bronze proofs is generally superior to the copper-nickel proofs that preceded them, because the softer alloy flowed more easily into the die cavities.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR-63 | Proof (PR) | $400 | $420 |
How much is a 1865 Proof Indian Head Cent worth?
How many 1865 Proof Indian Head Cents were minted?
What is a 1865 Proof Indian Head Cent made of?
What is the melt value of a 1865 Proof Indian Head Cent?
Is the 1865 Proof Indian Head Cent a key date?
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