1864 Indian Cent. Copper-Nickel. Proof-65+ (PCGS).

Exquisite tannish-rose surfaces are nearly as smooth and inviting as the day the coin left the Mint. Fully struck, the design elements exhibit a soft satin texture that contrasts modestly with a semi-reflective finish in the fields. The Proof mintage for this issue is up in the air, as the Guide Book and the Snow reference (2009) each give an estimate of 370 pieces, but the Bowers reference on the series calls for an estimated 800 to 1,000 pieces. Mintage presumptions aside, the 1864 copper-nickel is a rare issue in the finer Gem Proof grades, and we suspect the bidding will be fast and furious for this specimen.

PCGS# 2265. NGC ID: 229E.

PCGS Population: 1; 11 finer in this category (Proof-67 finest).

From the Collection of Dr. Frances W. Constable.