1864 1C Copper Nickel PR(PCGS#2265)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2023

Grade

PR64

Price

5,040

Lot Description

This is the only Gold CAC-approved Proof 1864 copper-nickel Indian cent, and it is a beautiful near-Gem specimen that will excite even the most discerning collectors. Subtle pale rose highlights enliven otherwise warm medium tan color, the surfaces appreciably contrasted between satiny motifs and semi-reflective fields. Fully struck and expertly preserved.<p>Struck in the final year of copper-nickel Indian cent coinage - later in the year the new thin bronze cent was introduced. The Proof mintage for the 1864 copper-nickel is up in the air, as the <em>Guide Book</em> and the Snow reference (2014) each give a figure of 370 pieces, but the Bowers reference on the series calls for an estimated 800 to 1,000 pieces. Mintage presumptions aside, this issue is scarce in levels of preservation at, near, and above the Gem Proof threshold. This example ranks among the most desirable certified and will surely sell for a strong premium.<p>Writing in his <em>Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide</em>, Rick Snow observes that, "About 25% of this issue comes with the dies slightly rotated to the left 30 degrees." The present example is one of these pieces.