1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" (with shield)
United States · 1860–1864 · Base Metal
Specifications
| Years | 1860–1864 |
| Denomination | 1 Cent |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (.880 copper, .120 nickel) |
| Gross weight | 4.67 g |
| Fineness | 88.0% base metal |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | 2.33 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Shape | Round |
| Designer | James Barton Longacre |
| Type | Standard circulation coins |
Catalog data via Numista, where photos and mintage details are available.
Design
Obverse
Liberty head wearing an Indian headdress and the date below
Reverse
Shield at the top, face value in the middle and a knot tying the wreath holding arrows
About this coin’s value
This coin is composed of copper-nickel (.880 copper, .120 nickel) and weighs 4.67 g. It carries no precious-metal melt value, so its worth is numismatic — driven by date, mint mark, grade and demand. For copper-era cents, the metal itself can exceed face value — see the copper penny calculator and our copper penny guide.
More 1 Cent coins
- 1 Cent - Civil War Token - Indian Head Copper Mine
- 1 Cent - H. M. Lane (New York City, New York)
- 1 Cent - The Flag of Our Union
- Civil War Merchant Token - Carl Haas (Cincinnati, Ohio)
- Civil War Merchant Token - E. W. Hall (Whitehall, New York)
- Civil War Patriotic Token - United States Copper
- Token - Merchant exchange Wall St. N. York
- 1 Cent (Vieques Island Counterstamp)1783–1785
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" (with shield) made of silver or gold?
No — the 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" (with shield) is copper-nickel (.880 copper, .120 nickel), so it carries no precious-metal melt value. Its worth is numismatic: driven by date, mint mark, grade and collector demand.
What years was the 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" (with shield) minted?
The 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" (with shield) was issued 1860–1864.
Who designed the 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" (with shield)?
The 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" (with shield) was designed by James Barton Longacre.
How big is a 1 Cent "Indian Head Cent" (with shield)?
It weighs 4.67 g and measures 19 mm across and 2.33 mm thick (copper-nickel (.880 copper, .120 nickel)).
Educational reference, not an offer to buy or sell. Specifications are catalog data and may vary by variety; verify before any transaction.