1862 Indian Cent (1862 Indian 1C) NGC MS63. 1862 Indian Head Cent. The Act of February 21, 1857 , provided for the coinage of a new copper-nickel small cent. The Act also called for all Spanish and Mexican coins and old copper cents and half cents in circulation to be brought in and exchanged for U.S silver coins and the new cents. The Flying Eagle cent was the first small cent ever produced in the United States of American and was succeeded by the Indian Head cent because of the poor striking qualities that it possessed.

The Indian Head cent was first issued in 1859 and contrary to its name, does not feature an actual Indian. Its name comes from the representation of Liberty wearing an Indian headdress. The Director of the Mint, James Ross Snowden, submitted models for a new cent design and the Secretary of Treasury, Howell Cobb, approved the Indian Head cent to be minted.

The Indian Head cent was designed by famed engraver James Barton Longacre. Born in Delaware County , Pennsylvania on August 11, 1794 , Longarcre became Chief Engraver of the U.S Mint on September 18, 1844 , succeeding the late Christian Gobrecht. As Chief Engraver, Longacre designed many different coins including the Shield Nickel, Flying Eagle Cent, the Two Cent piece and most notably, the Indian Head Cent.

The obverse of the Flying Eagle cent features "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," the head of Liberty wearing a feather head dress of a Native American and the year of production. The word "LIBERTY" appears on the band of the head dress as is required on all United States coins. From 1860 until the end of the series the reverse featured "ONE CENT" within a wreath of oak and olive tied at the base with a ribbon with a Federal shield above.

The example exhibited is graded MS-63 by NGC. It displays glistening surfaces with extremely sharp devices. The reverse exhibits some exquisite green and purple toning that further accent this coins beauty. A prime example of a high grade coin perfect for any collector.