1 Cent - "Indian Head Cent" (Copper Nickel Pattern)
United States · 1863 · Base Metal
Specifications
| Years | 1863 |
| Denomination | 1 Cent |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (.880 copper, .120 nickel) |
| Gross weight | 4.76 g |
| Fineness | 88.0% base metal |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | 2.33 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Shape | Round |
| Designer | James Barton Longacre |
| Type | Patterns |
Catalog data via Numista, where photos and mintage details are available.
Design
Obverse
Liberty facing left wearing a stylized Native American Headdress.
Reverse
Wreath containing denomination with a shield above.
About this coin’s value
This coin is composed of copper-nickel (.880 copper, .120 nickel) and weighs 4.76 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" (Copper Nickel Pattern) made of silver or gold?
No — the 1 Cent - "Indian Head Cent" (Copper Nickel Pattern) 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" (Copper Nickel Pattern) minted?
The 1 Cent - "Indian Head Cent" (Copper Nickel Pattern) was issued 1863.
Who designed the 1 Cent - "Indian Head Cent" (Copper Nickel Pattern)?
The 1 Cent - "Indian Head Cent" (Copper Nickel Pattern) was designed by James Barton Longacre.
How big is a 1 Cent - "Indian Head Cent" (Copper Nickel Pattern)?
It weighs 4.76 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.