1879 Indian Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS). CAC.Splendid satin surfaces are highly lustrous with vivid golden-orange color throughout. The strike is full and the coin has the appearance of an even higher grade. Beginning in 1879, the number of earlier dated bronze cents that the Mint redeemed and reissued fell off markedly from the highs recorded for 1876, 1877 and 1878. In 1879, the Mint redeemed 3,515,327 bronze cents and reissued 3,357,500 examples. (The totals for 1878, by way of comparison, are 8,213,999 and 8,242,500, respectively.) To meet commercial demands, the Mint struck more new cents in 1879 than it had during the previous three years, a mintage of 16,228,000 circulation strikes. Although readily available in lower grades, the 1879 is scarce in Gem full Red, as here. This year, continuing through 1909, forms the span for a "short set" of Philadelphia Mint Indian Head cents. If you are contemplating entering this series, these years are a good way to begin.PCGS Population: 60; 26 finer in this category (MS-67 RD finest).From the Beasley Collection.
