I have a 1859 Silver Indian Head Penny. Can anyone give me any information about it? I can't seem to find anything in the internet about a Silver one. Thanks Retta
Probably plated, any photos? Also, Until 1864 cents were given a higher nickel alloy making them lighter in color. Not sure if that is what you are talking about. Anyways, It is very unlikely that you have an error, it sounds like it was plated for jewelry. See how the color is lighter on this cent compared to a new cent you could get in your pocket change? (not my photo) Depending on how the nickel mixed the color could be lighter of darker. Never solid silver though.
Will try to post a pic soon. Penny is safely tucked away. My husband used to own a pawn shop and he said its silver. But idk. Will get the penny and try to post it.
Ok, That would help. Good luck! Also, The pennies that I talked about, the ones made of more nickel than newer pennies, are often referred to as "White Cents." That could have been what he mean't when he said it was silver.
I have to agree with all that's been said so far...plated or otherwise the 'White Cents" that coinman refers to... I t would be neat if it was one of those special types given solely to heads of state as a commemorative or something...and usually only one of a few...
The only close 1859 cent pattern is one in Lead, no others in white metal for that year. So extremely likely an altered regular cent. Many people try to scratch a possible silver plated coin to see, but do not do that until it can be seen and weighed.
I've heard some people do a little scratch on the edge but I agree with you, before doing anything post a photo on here and/or weigh it. In my experience on here 90% of the coins you see on here that are "Wrong Metal" can be IDed in seconds with a simple photo due to simple reasons like copper showing or very poor quality plating.
Could it have been struck on a 10 Cent planchet? If so, it would be worth a LOT! The chances are very small that this is the case, we would need pics to tell.
1859 was in the time of converting from hand fed and removing after striking to steam power type of machinery. I have not been able in the past to find a specific date when the conversion was complete including machinery to feed and remove the coin. Before this the blank was fed and inserted by hand, so the 'stuck blank of wrong metal' coins of later times was certainly hand fed by employees in collusion to defraud. So, possible, but I think it will be something less interesting. Don't buy a new car yet
Jennifer, your coin appears to be a copper-nickel (normal for the year) coin. Its definitley an 1859, but its not of silver composition. Even worn down as much as it is, it will still be thicker than the one cent coins that are made today. The copper nickel coins were a lighter color and since they were not all copper, they never had a "red" appearance when they left the mint. Some refer to these as white cents. Hope that helps
Yes I have a few that color. The early ones were because of the 88% copper 12% nickel, until they went to 95% copper in 1864. These early ones are often very thick as well, and in good condition they have a good value.
