Whitman Expo
The unprecedented crossover underscores his personal efforts to combat “grade inflation.”
Thank you to our sponsors!
Go check them out!
The 1865 Indian Cent comes with two varieties which are the Fancy 5 (almost looks italicized) and the Plain 5 (appears very dull and straight). The Fancy 5 is actually the type coin for the year but is still quite scarce. An overall very accessible coin that is scarcer than average in circulated grades and tough to find in Mint State, especially gems.
Obverse Description
A portrait bearing the likeness of a Native American in full headdress framed by the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery. The date is centered at the bottom under the portrait.
Reverse Description
The reverse bears the denomination of ONE CENT in the center surrounded by a wreath bearing a ribbon with arrows tied in at the bottom center.
Book Reference
35,429,286
Proof Mintage (Plain 5):
500+ (estimated)
1865 Cent Production: In 1863, the older copper-nickel cents came out of hiding and circulated side by side with the new bronze cents, two-cent pieces, nickel threecent pieces, nickel five-cent pieces, and paper Fractional Currency notes (in 3¢, 5¢, 10¢, 15¢, 25¢, and 50¢ denominations). This array of minor coinage and coinage substitutes was, to say the least, annoying to merchants and their customers. The redemption of outdated coins and paper was an important reason for the issuance of the three- and five-cent nickel coinage this year and next.
The cents this year were struck in record numbers also to assist in replacing the non-current coinage and paper money. The entire issue stayed in circulation for as long as fifty years.
Two date varieties are known and are collected today as separate dates by many collectors. The Plain 5 date type has a banana-shaped top to the 5. The Fancy 5 date type has a sharp hook-shaped top to the 5. The Plain 5 is slightly scarcer, was produced first, and includes the Proof issue. The Fancy 5 was used on a slightly larger quantity of dies. No
Plain 5Fancy 5
Fancy 5 Proofs were struck.
Survivability: This is the most readily available cent of the 1860’s. These circulated for a long time, as there was not enough collector interest to save them until after the turn of the century. Most are in grades below Fine. Most high-grade survivors were saved by chance.
Collecting Challenges: Most specialists attempt to collect both the Plain 5 and Fancy 5 dates. Finding well-struck examples without problems should be the main focus for the collector.
Collecting Circulated Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for circulated coins is AU-50 for both the Plain 5 and Fancy 5 date styles. These are usually available, so selecting visually appealing coins would be advised. Avoid coins with significant contact marks or scratches, or those that have been cleaned.
Collecting Mint State Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for Mint State coins is MS-65RB for both the Plain 5 and Fancy 5 date style. These are usually available, but finding an even-colored example with a good strike is diffcult. Full red gems are very diffcult to find without problems. The Plain 5 is much harder to find in gem full red.
Collecting Proof Issues: Proofs are available in the Plain 5 date style only. This is one of the tougher dates in the early Indian Head cent series. Its rarity is equal to that of the 1864 No L, but it is typically priced lower because it is not a one-year type. It usually is found with streaky red-brown colors. Full red examples are very hard to locate, especially without spots and problems. Cameos are very rare.
VARIETIES:
The Plain 5 varieties are very popular. The Snow-2 variety has a very wide repunched date with a 1 digit visible under the 8! S-1 and S-3 are also bold repunched dates, which get good premiums. Six other more minor repunched dates are collected.
Among the Fancy 5 varieties is a very bold reverse doubled die, Snow-2. This is very rare and worth a very significant premium. Many dealers overlook this variety because it is on the reverse. This creates an opportunity for collectors. S-1 used to be known as an 1865/4 overdate, but its overdate feature was discovered to be a digit punch defect, which shows up on two-cent pieces as well. Eight other repunched dates are known. One vari-1865, Fancy 5, ety has a concentric raised die line through the Doubled-Die Reverse, Snow-2 feathers, which is puzzling to collectors and experts alike. Such varieties make collecting fun!
Catalog Information
GSID:
1299
Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Obverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 1865
Reverse Designer:
James B. Longacre
Reverse Lettering:
ONE CENT
Weight (gr):
3.11 gr
Weight (oz):
0.11 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
19
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Variety:
Fancy 5
Coin Date:
1865
Denomination:
1c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
35,429,286
Coinage Type:
Indian Head Cent
Coinage Years:
1864-1909
Composition:
95% copper; 5% zinc & tin
PCGS #:
2082
Send Catalog Feedback
To: editor@greysheet.com
Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 1865 1c Fancy 5 MS BN
Body: Referring page: http://dev.greysheet.com/prices/item/1865-united-states-indian-cent-brown-surfaces/gsid/1299 GSID: 1299 Title: 1865 1c Fancy 5 MS BN
Subscribe to View
View more data, info, and visualizations. Get access to retail and wholesale pricing as well as auction data.
Coin Value History
1865 1c Fancy 5 MS BN
Value By Grade
1865 1c Fancy 5 MS BN
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
Sort by
Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS66 |
|
$1,250 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,000.00 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
Indian Head Cent 1c 1859, Reverse of 1858 MS [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c 1859, Reverse of 1858 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/Indian-Cent.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $5 – $25,000
1859 1c MS
Worth: $5 – $25,000
Indian Head Cent 1c Copper Nickel, 1860-1864 MS [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c Copper Nickel, 1860-1864 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/ctc/catalog/1863-obv.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $6 – $72,000
1860 1c Round Bust MS
Worth: $6 – $18,000
1860 1c Pointed Bust MS
Worth: $7 – $28,800
1861 1c MS
Worth: $14 – $72,000
1862 1c MS
Worth: $6 – $72,000
1863 1c MS
Worth: $6 – $18,750
1864 1c Copper Nickel MS
Worth: $14 – $20,000
Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS BN [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS BN [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/CatalogEntry/auctions_stacksbowers_com_lots_view_3_j4gae-0.20200712022457246.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $1 – $1,688
Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS RB [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS RB [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20250811/m7z2wm7kefb0wx6umy1d.webp?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $44 – $2,000
Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS RD [Type]
![Indian Head Cent 1c Bronze, 1864-1909 MS RD [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20200826/ha_com_131705_30309-0.20200826140250544.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $110 – $120,000
1864 1c Bronze MS BN
Worth: $10 – $625
1864 1c Bronze MS RB
Worth: $160 – $11,500
1864 1c Bronze MS RD
Worth: $300 – $18,000
1865 1C Fancy 5 MS63 Brown PCGS. CDN: $160 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS63. Mintage 35,429,286. ...
$164
1865 1C Fancy 5 -- Questionable Color -- CACG Details. Unc. Mintage 35,429,286....
$288
1865 1C Fancy 5 AU55 Brown NGC. NGC Census: (6/33). Mintage 35,429,286....
$69
1865/4 1C Fancy 5, Snow 1a, FS-1301, XF45 ANACS. Housed in a small-sized holder. Mintage 35,429,286....
$129
1865 1C Fancy 5 AU53 PCGS. PCGS Population: (26/502). Mintage 35,429,286. ...
$94
1865 1C Fancy 5 MS65 Red NGC. NGC Census: (0/1). Mintage 35,429,286....
$1,740
1865 1C Indian Cent -- Struck 20% Off Center -- Fancy 5 Good 6 PCGS. PCGS Population: (2/671). Mintage 35,429,286....
$216
1865 1C Fancy 5 MS64+ Brown PCGS. CAC. CAC Population: (17/16). Mintage 35,429,286. ...
$396
1865 1C Fancy 5 MS62 Brown PCGS. PCGS Population: (70/232). NGC Census: (7/9). CDN: $100 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS62. Mint...
$114
1865 1C Fancy 5, Indian Cent -- Double Struck, Second Strike 25% Off Center -- VG8 PCGS. ...
$1,080
1865 1c PCGS XF40 (Fancy 5 RPD FS-1032 S-4)
$75
1865 1C Fancy 5, Indian Cent -- Struck 15% Off Center -- AU58 NGC. ...
$432
1865 1c PCGS AU Details (Fancy 5 Polished)
$48
1865 1C Fancy 5 MS66 Brown NGC. NGC Census: (2/0). PCGS Population: (1/0). CDN: $650 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage ...
$660
1865 1c PCGS VF Details (Fancy 5 Cleaned)
$15
1865 1C Fancy 5, Doubled Die Reverse, Snow-2, FS-1801, VF30 PCGS. (007). PCGS Population (2/14). NGC Census: (0/4). ...
$540
1865 1C Fancy 5, Doubled Die Reverse, Snow-2, FS-1801, VF35 PCGS. (FS-007). PCGS Population (2/11). NGC Census: (0/0). ...
$517
1865 1C Indian Cent -- Struck 5% Off-Center -- VG10 PCGS. ...
$118
1865 1C Double Die Reverse Fancy 5 Fine 12 NGC. FS-1801 ....
$153
1865 1C Doubled Die Reverse -- Cleaned -- ANACS. VF20 Details. FS-007, S-2. NGC Census: (0/0). PCGS Population (2/13)....
$129
Greysheet News
Prominent Collector Dell Loy Hansen Submitting His Historical Collection Of U.S. Coins To CAC Grading
8/8/2024
American Numismatic Association's Largest Coin Show, August 6-10 In Chicago
Dazzling rarities, free educational opportunities, family fun and more await at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
7/25/2024
United States Mint Unveils Designs For The 2025 United States Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program
The designs will be featured on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half dollar clad coin.
7/23/2024
Events
Heritage Auctions: US Currency Tuesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Heritage Auctions: World Paper Money Tuesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Heritage Auctions: US Coins Tuesday & Wednesday Select Auction
Location: Heritage Auctions
Wednesday, June 3, 2026