1865 Indian Head Cent — "Fancy 5"

1865 Indian Head Cent — Fancy 5 Variety

Own a distinctive piece of Civil War-era American numismatic history with this 1865 Indian Head Cent featuring the collectible Fancy 5 date variety, struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the final year of the American Civil War.

The Indian Head Cent series was produced from 1859 through 1909 and remains one of the most recognizable and widely collected designs in United States coinage. Designed by James B. Longacre, the series circulated through the Civil War, Reconstruction, and America's rapid industrial expansion.

The 1865 Indian Head Cent is particularly interesting because collectors recognize two major date varieties: the Plain 5 and the Fancy 5. These varieties are distinguished by differences in the shape and style of the final numeral in the date.

The Fancy 5 variety features a more ornamental numeral 5, with a distinctive curved upper portion that differentiates it from the simpler Plain 5 style.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American-style feathered headdress. The headband is inscribed LIBERTY, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the portrait and the date 1865 appears beneath.

The reverse displays the denomination ONE CENT enclosed within an oak wreath, with a small Union shield positioned at the top and a ribbon tying the wreath at the bottom.

The 1865 issue was struck during a pivotal year in American history, which witnessed the conclusion of the Civil War, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and the beginning of the Reconstruction era.

Unlike the heavier copper-nickel Indian Head Cents issued from 1859 through early 1864, the 1865 issue was struck in a bronze alloy consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.

This lighter bronze composition was introduced in 1864 and remained the standard for Indian Head Cents through the remainder of the series.

All 1865 Indian Head Cents were produced at the Philadelphia Mint and carry no mint mark.

The date is especially appealing to collectors because the Plain 5 and Fancy 5 varieties offer an additional collecting challenge beyond assembling a standard date set.

The Fancy 5 is recognized by major numismatic grading services and is frequently collected as a distinct variety within the Indian Head Cent series.

Whether collected as part of a complete Indian Head Cent collection, a Civil War-era coin collection, or a specialized date-variety set, the 1865 Fancy 5 Indian Head Cent offers an appealing combination of historical significance, classic design, and numismatic interest.

Product Details

• Denomination: One Cent ($0.01 USD)

• Year: 1865

• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)

• Series: Indian Head Cent (1859–1909)

• Type: Bronze Indian Head Cent, Oak Wreath with Shield

• Date Variety: Fancy 5

• Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

• Standard Weight: 3.11 grams

• Diameter: 19 mm

• Designer: James B. Longacre

• Obverse: Left-facing Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

• Reverse: ONE CENT within an oak wreath, with a Union shield above

• Mint Mark Location: None — Philadelphia issue

• Edge: Plain

• Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

• Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1865 Indian Head Cent attributed as the Fancy 5 variety. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.