1865 Indian Cent. Fancy 5. MS-66 RD (PCGS).This is a simply outstanding example of both the type and issue that would serve as a highlight in the finest collection. Bathed in rose-orange color, the strike is razor sharp throughout, and satiny surfaces are so smooth as to be temptingly close to pristine. This second year bronze Indian cent issue has a mintage of 35,429,286 circulation strikes, a generous total that suggests that there was still a great need for new cents to rectify the coinage shortage in the East and Midwest created by the withdrawal of gold, silver and copper-nickel coins that began early in the Civil War. As an issue the 1865 is readily obtainable in Mint State, although with the quality and eye appeal offered here it is a condition rarity. As one of the finest examples known to PCGS, in fact, this lovely coin is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into one of the finest Indian cent sets.
