U.S. Mint coin reference

1859: Indian Head Small Cent (Laurel Wreath Reverse Type)

Classic copper-nickel and bronze small cent reference.

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1859 Indian Head small cent with Laurel Wreath reverse, obverse and reverse, on a white background

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1859

Country: United States

Denomination: One cent

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 88% copper, 12% nickel

Silver fineness: None

Silver weight: 0.00 oz ASW

Weight: 4.67 g

Diameter: 19.0 mm

Thickness: Approx. 1.52 mm

Edge: Plain

Designer: James B. Longacre

Mint mark: None; these issues were struck at Philadelphia.

Design identification

Obverse: Liberty facing left in a feathered headdress inscribed LIBERTY.

Reverse: Laurel wreath enclosing ONE CENT; no federal shield at the top.

1859: Indian Head Small Cent (Laurel Wreath Reverse Type) history

1859: Indian Head Small Cent (Laurel Wreath Reverse Type) is a one-year reverse subtype. The laurel wreath lacks the federal shield added in 1860, while the obverse introduces James B. Longacre’s Indian Head portrait.

Only the copper-nickel standard belongs in this specification box: 88% copper, 12% nickel at 4.67 grams. The bronze 3.11-gram standard did not begin until 1864 and belongs to a separate subtype.