The copper-nickel composition that these pieces were struck in was a very hard alloy, which was difficult to strike. Some of these pieces show weakness in various forms on both the obverse and reverse. On the obverse, this can mostly be found on the lower three hair feathers and the lower ribbon. On the reverse, the details of the leaves in the wreath will usually be of considerable less detail than the original design. Although the design change, done the previous year, helped improve the striking issues, this is still a problem that continues for the rest of the copper-nickel cents.

In the summer of 1862, as a direct consequence of the civil war, all federal coinage stopped circulating. As a result, the new small cents, minted in large quantities during the previous three years to replace the large copper cents were widely hoarded. Although many pieces re-entered circulation after the civil war, a considerable number of copper-nickel cents, often in pristine condition remained in storage and thus in uncirculated (or nearly so) condition up to the present day.

Besides the previously mentioned striking issues seen on some pieces, most are attractive pieces. The majority of uncirculated pieces, estimated to be 8,000 in all uncirculated grades, is attractive and grade between MS-63 and MS-65. These pieces will have satiny to light-frosty luster, with no more than one or two distractions or visible hits. In MS-66 these pieces will have virtually no distractions, with the natural coloration being a tan color often visible to great extent on these pieces. Some are toned in various colors, and quite attractive. Unlike the later bronze cents, the grading companies do not mention color designations on copper-nickel coins.

The higher grade examples are often in demand by both type collectors and collectors putting together a set of civil war coinage. In MS-67, this is one of the more available copper-nickel issues with approximately 15 to 20 different examples available to collectors. One piece, certified by PCGS as MS-68 exists, which is the only MS-68 graded for the whole copper-nickel cent series. This piece was sold in 2003 for an amazing price of $54,625.

Proofs are often of lesser quality than mint state pieces, and finding attracted examples will require some searching. Most of the estimated 200-300 proofs where only struck once, not always bringing up all the details usually found on proofs. Additionally, both planchets and dies were not often polished, making pieces with deep reflective pieces rare.

As a result, the overall quality of 1861 proof cents is very disappointing. The finest pieces, graded PR-66 often show hairlines and spots, preventing them from obtaining a higher grade. Cameo pieces are rare, especially so in gem condition. One of the finest known, graded PR-65CAM by PCGS, sold for a 5 sum figure at auction recently. Less than 5 pieces have graded that high in Cameo, making them true rarities within the series.

Overall, this issue is common in lower Mint state grades but get scarce at the gem and premium gem level. Pieces are always in demand, due to their low mintage and status as type coin. Proofs are the scarcest of the copper-nickel series, and are highly sought with reflective fields by specialists.