U.S. Mint coin reference

1860–1864: Indian Head Small Cent (Copper-Nickel, Oak Wreath & Shield Type)

Classic copper-nickel and bronze small cent reference.

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1863 Indian Head copper-nickel small cent with Oak Wreath and Shield reverse, obverse and reverse, on a white background

Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1860-1864

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: Oak wreath enclosing ONE CENT, with a small federal shield above the wreath.

1860–1864: Indian Head Small Cent (Copper-Nickel, Oak Wreath & Shield Type) history

1860–1864: Indian Head Small Cent (Copper-Nickel, Oak Wreath & Shield Type) replaces the 1859 laurel wreath with an oak wreath, a small federal shield, and arrows at the base. It retains the pale copper-nickel alloy and 4.67-gram weight.

During 1864 the cent changed to a thinner bronze planchet weighing 3.11 grams. That alloy transition creates the next subtype even though the Indian Head portrait continued.