The 1859 Indian Cent was the first year of issue and a one sub type. The coin had a mintage of 36,400,000 coins produced for circulation wiht an estimated 800 coins in proof format. The circulation strike represented the highest mintage of any United States coin up to that time.
Due to the larger mintage and the tendency for the public to keep first year issue coins, the 1859 Indian Head Cent is available in all grades today. Most examples circulated for at least a couple of years, either before or after the civil war and are in circulated grades. Mint-state coins are available but are much in demand for type set collectors seeking a premium quality example of this issue.
The 1859 Indian Cent represents a one year subtype because of the reverse design, which featured a laurel wreath. For all subsequent years of the series, an oak wreath with a shield at the top was used.
