DESCRIPTION & COMMENTS
This exceptional 1865 Indian Head Cent is a true Civil War–era survivor, preserved at the Gem MS65 Brown level and further validated by a green CAC sticker for solid quality within the grade. The coin displays rich, original chocolate-brown toning accented by subtle copper warmth and excellent underlying luster. Both obverse and reverse surfaces are remarkably smooth and clean, with a notable lack of abrasions for the type — especially impressive given the era and widespread circulation pressures of mid-19th-century copper coinage.

Struck with crisp detail throughout, Liberty’s portrait shows strong feather separation and well-defined facial features, while the reverse wreath and shield remain bold and sharp. Adding numismatic interest, this example carries the FS-303 Repunched Date (RPD) attribution, a recognized and collectible variety that enhances desirability beyond a standard issue. Overall, this is a premium-quality, problem-free Gem Indian Cent with originality, eye appeal, and variety status all working together.

Feel free to request other photos and we'd be happy to provide.  We shot a few sets on this one with different lighting characteristics but no filtering or doctoring - all natural photos!  As eBay sellers, we want to be sure there is no mystery with coin you are buying!!!

Note: We used two photos from PCGS' Certification Site for this exact coin.


COIN/PRODUCT DETAIL

  • Coin: 1865 Indian Cent graded @ PR65BN by PCGS 
  • Year/Mint:  Produced in 1865 at the Philadelphia Mint (Philly has no mint mark)
  • Variety: Repunched Date, Fitz and Stanton (FS)-303, & Snow-3
  • Coin Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
  • Designer: James Longacre
  • Weight: 3.11g
  • Diameter: 19mm
  • Edge: Plain/Smooth
  • Mintage: 35,429,286
  • PCGS Stats: PCGS has 4 at PR65BN with this Die Variety and zero higher (3 higher if R and RB are included)
  • Strike: Strong and even with crisp feather detail and bold reverse wreath elements
  • Surfaces: Exceptionally smooth and clean for the grade, with minimal contact and an obvious lack of distracting abrasions
  • Color: Original, even chocolate-brown with subtle copper warmth and natural luster beneath - a very eye appealing mix
  • Consideration: FS-303 Repunched Date (RPD) — a recognized and collectible variety - and this is 1 of 7 at Gem AND WITH CAC THIS IS THE ONE (There is one in RD at over $3000)
  • Appeal: Premium Quality Gem eye appeal with originality, smooth surfaces, strong strike, CAC approval, and added variety interest