1860 1c PR

1860, Rounded Bust, Cent Production: Mintage levels lowered a bit this year, as the quantity of cents in circulation was becoming satisfactory.

Survivability: This issue saw only two years of circulation before being put away during the Civil War coinage crisis. By the 1870’s the copper-nickel cents were being recalled and melted. Survivors either escaped retrieval from circulation at that time and are found well worn today, or were never returned to circulation after the war and are found in high grades.

Collecting Challenges: This issue is common. Selecting an attractive coin for the grade desired is important. Look for a sharp strike and an early die state.

Collecting Circulated Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for circulated coins is AU-50. Look for well-struck pieces. Low-grade examples below Fine are readily available and should be purchased only if problem free.

Collecting Mint State Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for Mint State coins is MS-64. This date is readily found in most grades. Select a problem-free example.

Collecting Proof Issues: The mintage represents 1,000 Proof coins produced, with 450+ being melted, or released into circulation, due to poor sales. As such, these coins are much scarcer than their minted quantity would suggest.

This issue was poorly made, with a large percentage of examples seen struck only once. These will have average strikes and slightly rounded outer edges. Many examples described as prooflike were struck from the Proof dies and may have originally been part of the Proof issue. For this reason gems are very rare. Cameo contrast is virtually non-existent on this issue. The optimal collecting grade for Proofs is PF-64.

There are three very minor repunched dates known for this year.