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Indian Head Cent

Indian Head Cent 1859-1869: Copper-Nickel and Early Bronze Varieties

Indian Head Cent 1859-1869: Copper-Nickel and Early Bronze Varieties

This first era covers the one-year laurel-wreath reverse, the 1860 reverse redesign, the copper-nickel issues, the 1864 change to bronze, and the restored pointed-bust 1864-L subtype.

Indian Head cent guide navigation

Jump to year: 1859 · 1860 · 1861 · 1862 · 1863 · 1864 · 1865 · 1866 · 1867 · 1868 · 1869

Design and identification foundation

Mint dates: 1859-1909

Design

James Barton Longacre, chief engraver of the United States Mint, designed the Indian Head cent. The obverse depicts Liberty facing left in a feathered headdress. The 1859 reverse uses a laurel wreath; from 1860 through 1909 the reverse uses an oak-and-olive wreath with arrows and a federal shield. Copper-nickel cents were struck from 1859 into 1864, followed by bronze cents through the end of the series. San Francisco struck the only branch-mint issues in 1908 and 1909.

Key design details

Varieties

Every entry follows the same collector workflow: named variety, Do You Have One? What To Look For, catalog references, and an original CoinHunt inspection map. Structure is deliberate so collectors can compare one diagnostic at a time.

1859

1859/1859 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The full date for a second impression displaced toward the upper right.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.3; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1859/1859 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1859/185 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Inspect 185 for a clockwise-shifted earlier date impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.2; Snow S-2; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1859/185 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1859/1859 FS-303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 18 were repunched north of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-303; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.35; Snow S-3; VarietyPlus VP-003. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1859/1859 FS-303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1860

1860 POINTED BUST 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Several 1860 obverse dies were taken from the Hub of 1859, which has a more pointed tip to Liberty’s bust than on most 1860 and all those 1861-63 and 1864 No L.

Catalog references: Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.4; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1860 POINTED BUST 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1861

1861/61 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 61 are repunched, the earlier punching appearing to the south. The repunched 1 is quite distinct, but the 6 is not as evident.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.45; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1861/61 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1862

1862 MPD FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The denticles beneath the date for the upper portions of a misplaced 86.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1862 MPD FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1862 DDR FS-801 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for doubling seen in the arrow shafts and the ribbon securing them to the wreath.

Catalog references: NGC FS-801; Snow S-5. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1862 DDR FS-801 1C MS DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1862 DDR FS-802 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for doubling visible on the wreath bow and the arrow shafts.

Catalog references: NGC FS-802; Snow S-6. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1862 DDR FS-802 1C MS DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1863

1863/863 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Repunching of numerals 863 is evident to the south.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1863/863 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1863 18/18 VP-002 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 18 were repunched south of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-002; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1863 18/18 VP-002 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1863 MPD FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

This is a misplaced-date attribution, so inspect the denticle field immediately below the date for a stray portion of a date numeral. Because NGC does not publish a written positional diagnostic for this record, do not attribute it from a single raised mark; match the complete date placement and secondary die markers to a certified Snow S-20 example.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Snow S-20. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1863 MPD FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT below date / stray numeral Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1863 DDR FS-801 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for doubling visible on the leaves and the leaf veins on the right side of the coin.

Catalog references: NGC FS-801; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.46; Snow S-10; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1863 DDR FS-801 1C MS DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864

1864 COPPER NICKEL 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Start with the physical type: the copper-nickel cent uses the thicker planchet and has a standard weight of about 4.67 g, versus 3.11 g for the later bronze cent. Copper-nickel pieces also tend toward a pale tan or yellow-brown appearance, while bronze examples more often show red, red-brown, or deeper brown color. Color alone is not conclusive; use an accurate scale and confirm the design against a certified example.

Catalog references: NGC-listed type or subtype. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864 COPPER NICKEL 1C MS DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864 BRONZE 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

This is simply the bronze striking without letter L on the ribbon.

Catalog references: NGC-listed type or subtype. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864 BRONZE 1C MS DATE INSPECT portrait detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864 DDO BRONZE FS-1101 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for doubling visible on LIBERTY.

Catalog references: NGC FS-1101; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.47; Snow S-4; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864 DDO BRONZE FS-1101 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864/864 BRONZE FS-1301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 864 were repunched counterclockwise to the original impressions.

Catalog references: NGC FS-1301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.48; Snow S-2; VarietyPlus VP-005. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864/864 BRONZE FS-1301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864/864 BRONZE VP-010 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 864 were repunched east of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-010; Snow S-3. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864/864 BRONZE VP-010 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864/1864 BRONZE VP-011 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched north of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-011; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864/1864 BRONZE VP-011 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864 BRONZE FS-1401 LATHE LINES 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Concentric circles appear on Liberty’s face, these being the remnants of the lathe turning process. They should have been polished off of the die face before it was hubbed.

Catalog references: NGC FS-1401 LATHE LINES; Snow S-11. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864 BRONZE FS-1401 LATHE LINES 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864 L BRONZE 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look first at the tip of Liberty’s bust: the 1864 L subtype has the restored pointed bust, rather than the blunt tip of the earlier bronze subtype. Then confirm Longacre’s small L on the lower ribbon behind the neck.

Catalog references: NGC-listed type or subtype. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864 L BRONZE 1C MS DATE INSPECT pointed bust / ribbon L Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864/1864 L BRONZE FS-2301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Strong repunching on “18” and weak on “64” of Date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-2301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.7; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864/1864 L BRONZE FS-2301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864/186 L BRONZE FS-2302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched counterclockwise to the first impression, with doubling visible to the north of numerals 18 and within the loop of the 6.

Catalog references: NGC FS-2302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.71; Snow S-3; VarietyPlus VP-004. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864/186 L BRONZE FS-2302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864/1864 L BRONZE FS-2303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched south of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-2303; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.72; Snow S-4; VarietyPlus VP-003. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864/1864 L BRONZE FS-2303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864 L 18/18 BRONZE FS-2304 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 1 is tripled, north and south. Numeral 8 is doubled, with the secondary image to the north.

Catalog references: NGC FS-2304; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.5; Snow S-5; VarietyPlus VP-007. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864 L 18/18 BRONZE FS-2304 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864/1864 L BRONZE FS-2305 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched counterclockwise from the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-2305; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.55; Snow S-2; VarietyPlus VP-006. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864/1864 L BRONZE FS-2305 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864 L 86/86 BRONZE FS-2306 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 86 were repunched north of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-2306; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-006.73; Snow S-10; VarietyPlus VP-008. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864 L 86/86 BRONZE FS-2306 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864/1864 L BRONZE VP-009 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched south of the first impression, with strong doubling of the 18 and lesser doubling of the 64.

Catalog references: NGC VP-009; Snow S-6. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864/1864 L BRONZE VP-009 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1864 L BRONZE BISECTING CRACK VP-012 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for a die crack runs across the obverse vertically from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock. Numeral 6 is partially filled from a chip where the crack runs through it.

Catalog references: NGC BISECTING CRACK VP-012; Snow S-16. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1864 L BRONZE BISECTING CRACK VP-012 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865

1865 PLAIN 5 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of numeral 5 is gently curved along its entire width, and the vertical stroke points outside of the ball.

Catalog references: NGC-listed type or subtype. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865 PLAIN 5 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865/18-5 PL/FANCY 5 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Weak repunching south on “18” of Date and north of “5”. The Plain 5 is punched over a Fancy 5.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.3; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-003. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865/18-5 PL/FANCY 5 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865 18/18 PLAIN 5 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Strong repunching north on “18” of date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.45; Snow S-4; VarietyPlus VP-004. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865 18/18 PLAIN 5 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865/1865 PLAIN 5 FS-303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched north of the first impression, though there is little sign of repunching on numeral 5.

Catalog references: NGC FS-303; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.5; Snow S-3; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865/1865 PLAIN 5 FS-303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865/1-5 MPD PLAIN 5 FS-304 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The denticle field below the date for misplaced portions of numerals 1 and 5. NGC does not publish a written positional diagnostic for this record, so confirm the complete misplaced-date pattern against a certified FS-304 example rather than relying on one isolated mark.

Catalog references: NGC FS-304. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865/1-5 MPD PLAIN 5 FS-304 1C MS DATE INSPECT below date / misplaced 1–5 Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865/1865 PLAIN 5 VP-007 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched north of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-007; Snow S-6. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865/1865 PLAIN 5 VP-007 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865 FANCY 5 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of numeral 5 is straight for half its width and sharply curved for the remainder. The vertical stroke points to the ball.

Catalog references: NGC-listed type or subtype. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865 FANCY 5 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865/1–5 FANCY 5 FS-1301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched slightly clockwise from the first impression, with doubling visible on numerals 1 and 5.

Catalog references: NGC FS-1301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.3; Snow S-1. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865/1--5 FANCY 5 FS-1301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865/186 FANCY 5 FS-1302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched slightly clockwise to the first impression, and doubling is visible south of numerals 186.

Catalog references: NGC FS-1302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.55; Snow S-4. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865/186 FANCY 5 FS-1302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865/1865 FANCY 5 VP-005 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched slightly counterclockwise from the first impression, with doubling seen above the base of the 1 and the lower loop of the 8 and just barely below the bottoms of the 6 and 5.

Catalog references: NGC VP-005; Snow S-13. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865/1865 FANCY 5 VP-005 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865 8/8 FANCY 5 VP-006 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numeral 8 was repunched, with the earlier impression west of the final one.

Catalog references: NGC VP-006; Snow S-3. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865 8/8 FANCY 5 VP-006 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865/186 FANCY 5 VP-008 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched clockwise from its first impression, with the doubling most visible on numeral 1.

Catalog references: NGC VP-008; Snow S-5. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865/186 FANCY 5 VP-008 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865 FANCY 5 FS-1401 LATHE LINE 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for a raised semi-circle is visible on the obverse within Liberty’s feathered headdress. This was most likely a lathe line from the die-cutting process that was not properly removed before hubbing.

Catalog references: NGC FS-1401 LATHE LINE; Snow S-14. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865 FANCY 5 FS-1401 LATHE LINE 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1865 DDR FANCY 5 FS-1801 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Very strong doubling on “ONE CENT”, the shield, and leaves.

Catalog references: NGC FS-1801; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007; Snow S-2; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1865 DDR FANCY 5 FS-1801 1C MS DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866

1866 DDO & MPD FS-101 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for doubling seen on LIBERTY, and the tops of two errant numerals 6 are seen within the denticles below the first 6 of the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-101; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.6; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866 DDO & MPD FS-101 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866/1–6 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched counterclockwise to the first impression, with doubling visible at numerals 1 and 6.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.7; Snow S-2; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866/1--6 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866 1/1 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Strong repunching is seen west of the “1” of the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.9; Snow S-3; VarietyPlus VP-003. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866 1/1 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866/66 FS-303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 66 were first punched northeast of the final impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-303; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-007.8; Snow S-9; VarietyPlus VP-004. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866/66 FS-303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866/66 VP-005 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 66 were repunched south of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-005; Snow S-7. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866/66 VP-005 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866/1–6 VP-006 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched counterclockwise, with numerals 1 and the second 6 duplicated.

Catalog references: NGC VP-006; Snow S-10. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866/1--6 VP-006 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866/18-6 VP-007 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was first punched slanting up from left to right and then corrected. The earlier impression is visible for numerals 1, 8 and the second 6.

Catalog references: NGC VP-007; Snow S-5. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866/18-6 VP-007 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866 18/18 VP-008 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 18 were repunched clockwise from the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC VP-008; Snow S-12. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866 18/18 VP-008 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866/18-6 VP-009 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched counterclockwise from its first impression, with doubling visible northwest on 18 and southwest on the second 6.

Catalog references: NGC VP-009; Snow S-6. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866/18-6 VP-009 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1866/1-66 VP-010 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched, with doubling visible on numerals 1 and 66.

Catalog references: NGC VP-010; Snow S-8. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1866/1-66 VP-010 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1867

1867/67 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 67 were repunched south of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-008; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1867/67 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1867 18/18 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 18 were repunched north of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-008.1; Snow S-4; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1867 18/18 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1867/18-7 FS-303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched clockwise to the first impression, which was sharply tilted.

Catalog references: NGC FS-303; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1867/18-7 FS-303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1867 18/18 VP-004 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 18 were repunched, with tripling visible on the flag of the 1.

Catalog references: NGC VP-004; Snow S-5. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1867 18/18 VP-004 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1868

1868 DDO FS-101 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Look for doubling seen on RTY of LIBERTY and the hair ribbon.

Catalog references: NGC FS-101; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-008.2; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-003. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1868 DDO FS-101 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1868/868 DDO FS-102 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Minor doubling on “LIBERTY”. Minor repunching south on date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-102; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-008.26; Snow S-4; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1868/868 DDO FS-102 1C MS DATE INSPECT LIBERTY / headband Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1868/8 DDO & MPD FS-103 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Minor doubling is seen on “ERTY”. Weak Numeral 8 was repunched south of the first impression, and the top of an errant 6 or 8 is seen within the denticles.

Catalog references: NGC FS-103; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-008.25; Snow S-5; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1868/8 DDO & MPD FS-103 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1868/1868 VP-004 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The date was repunched counterclockwise from its first impression. The second 8 is actually triple punched, but this is visible only on unworn coins.

Catalog references: NGC VP-004; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1868/1868 VP-004 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1868 MPD FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Duplicate numerals 868 are seen within the denticles beneath the date.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-008.23; Snow S-8. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1868 MPD FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1868 MPD VP-005 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The top of an errant 6 or 8 is seen within the denticles below the 6 of the date.

Catalog references: NGC VP-005; Snow S-12?. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1868 MPD VP-005 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1869

1869/69 FS-301 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 69 were repunched south of the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-301; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-008.3; Snow S-3; VarietyPlus VP-001. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1869/69 FS-301 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1869 18/18 FS-302 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 18 were repunched counterclockwise from the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-302; Fivaz-Stanton (OLD) FS-008.5; Snow S-1; VarietyPlus VP-002. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1869 18/18 FS-302 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1869/69 FS-303 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Numerals 69 were repunched clockwise from the first impression.

Catalog references: NGC FS-303; Snow S-4; VarietyPlus VP-003. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1869/69 FS-303 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

1869/1869 VP-004 1C MS

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The entire date was repunched north of the first impression. Numeral 1 appears to have been triple-punched.

Catalog references: NGC VP-004; Snow S-2. NGC VarietyPlus record.

CoinHunt original inspection map: 1869/1869 VP-004 1C MS DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt diagnostic schematic - not a coin photograph. Confirm the complete die-marker pattern against a certified reference.

Errors

Mint errors are production accidents, not repeating die varieties. The classes below are documented on Indian Head cents in certified collections and specialist literature; they are presented as error classes because individual dates and strike combinations vary. Damage, cleaning, corrosion, plating, glue, and altered dates are not Mint errors.

Off-center strike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Part of the design is missing and an unstruck crescent remains because the planchet was not centered between the dies. Measure the approximate percentage off center and note whether the date remains visible.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Off-center strike DATE INSPECT date Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Broadstrike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The coin spread beyond its normal diameter because the retaining collar did not contain the metal during the strike. Look for a wider, irregular rim while the complete central design remains present.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Broadstrike DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Double or multiple strike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A second or later strike created separated, overlapping design elements. Genuine examples show coherent repeated design, sometimes with the later strike off center or after the coin flipped.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Double or multiple strike DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Flipover double strike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

One strike was followed by another after the coin turned over. Look for overlapping obverse and reverse design in opposing orientation rather than random flattened damage.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Flipover double strike DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Brockage

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A previously struck coin remained in the press and transferred an incuse, mirror-image impression to the next coin. The brockage must be recessed and reversed relative to the normal raised design.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Brockage DATE INSPECT reverse design Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Indent

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Another blank or planchet partly overlapped the coin during striking, leaving a smooth, curved unstruck recess. The boundary should follow the edge of the overlapping planchet.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Indent DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Die cap / capped-die strike-through

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A coin stuck to a die and formed a cap, either becoming cup-shaped itself or producing later coins with distorted, ghostlike design. Confirm the shape and metal flow rather than relying on weak detail alone.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Die cap / capped-die strike-through DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Wrong planchet or off-metal strike

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

The cent design was struck on a planchet intended for another denomination or metal. Diameter, weight, composition, edge, and design fit must agree; plating is not a Mint error.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Wrong planchet or off-metal strike DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Clipped planchet

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A curved or straight segment is missing because the coin blank was cut from an overlapping or edge position in the metal strip. Look for compatible metal flow and a weakened rim opposite the clip.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Clipped planchet DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Lamination or split planchet

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

A flaw in the planchet alloy caused metal to peel, separate, or split. Genuine lamination follows the metal and should not look like a gouge, corrosion pit, or peeled plating.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Lamination or split planchet DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

Struck-through

Do You Have One? What To Look For:

Foreign material came between a die and the planchet, leaving an impressed texture or missing design. A retained struck-through keeps the object; most examples retain only its impression.

CoinHunt original inspection map: Struck-through DATE INSPECT named design detail Schematic only Compare exact die markers before attribution

Original CoinHunt error-identification schematic - not a coin photograph.

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Sources

  1. NGC VarietyPlus: Indian Cents (1859-1909). NGC. Catalog list, cross-references, and diagnostics accessed September 25, 2026.
  2. PCGS: The Popular Off-Center Strike. PCGS. Off-center strike definition and identification.
  3. PCGS: The Two Types of Struck-Through Error Coins. PCGS. Struck-through and retained struck-through definitions.
  4. Indian Cent Mint Error Collection. Mint Error News. Certified Indian cent examples of broadstrikes, multiple strikes, off-center strikes, brockages, indents, capped-die strikes, and wrong-planchet errors.
  5. 1859 Indian Head cent obverse die cap. Coin World. Documented 1859 die-cap example.

Editorial boundary: NGC is credited for its catalog and diagnostic research. CoinHunt does not reproduce NGC photographs. The SVG inspection maps are original educational schematics and are not substitutes for certified comparison images.

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