2016-09-20 Tue

The most sought after coins from Civil War era are the 1863 Indian Head pennies or cents. Though numerous, they are scarce for very few are found in good condition. These coins are more than 150 years old and for coins that are this old, condition is an important factor.

What makes this 1863 Indian Head penny so special is that they were struck with a special kind of an alloy that was used only during the Civil War. This special Copper-nickel alloy makes Civil War-era Indian Heads heavier than other editions.

The Indian Head cent, or Indian Head Penny, was designed by James Barton Longacre and struck from 1859 until 1909 and was minted in Philadelphia and San Francisco mints. The coin features the bust of Liberty looking towards left and wearing a Native American headdress with "Liberty" written across the band. The words "United States of America" are inscribed around her. The reverse of the coin depicts the denomination –"one cent" – inside an oak wreath, which was thought to symbolize authority, with arrows added to the bottom and a heraldic shield at the top.

As the economy was hit during the civil war, these cents were hoarded. When the metal nickel was in short supply a new alloy of copper and bronze was introduced. This new alloy made the 1863 pennies to be the last ones to be minted with copper-nickel alloy.

Legend has it that the Indian Head pennies (1859 to 1909) were worn as necklaces by the civil war soldiers as lucky charms. The purpose was dual, they served as a loving remembrance of their families and in adverse conditions, these lucky charms could also be exchanged for goods, food and shelter.

Well..and what’s more, these coins are again in vogue and are making a trend in latest jewellery patterns!