1864 1C Bronze Indian Cent - Type 3 Bronze PCGS MS66+RD CAC

An exceptional 1864 Indian Head Cent, Type 3 Bronze, certified PCGS MS66+RD with CAC approval. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during a pivotal year of the American Civil War, this issue marks the widely adopted transition to the lighter bronze composition that would define the Indian Cent series for decades. It is a landmark “first-year” bronze cent that combines historic importance with elite preservation, making it a premier choice for advanced registry collections and a standout centerpiece for any U.S. type set. Key details Date/Type: 1864 1C Indian Head Cent, Type 3 Bronze Mint: Philadelphia Composition: Bronze Grade/Designation: PCGS MS66+RD, Red (RD) CAC: Yes PCGS Certification Number: 51651048 Eye appeal and strike The coin displays vibrant original red color with strong, even brilliance and sharply defined devices. Liberty’s portrait and the feather details show crisp definition, while the wreath and lettering on the reverse are bold and well-articulated. Surfaces present as exceptionally clean for the issue, with the kind of refined texture and visual freshness that serious collectors seek when targeting top-tier Mint State examples. Historical significance Dated 1864, this cent was produced in the same year as major turning points in the Civil War and reflects the era’s economic pressures and evolving Mint practices. The Type 3 Bronze format represents the durable, practical standard that replaced the earlier 1864 copper-nickel issues, making it one of the most historically compelling entry points into the Indian Head Cent series. Collector value The combination of a premium MS66+ grade, the coveted RD designation, and CAC verification signals a coin that meets stringent standards for originality, quality, and overall eye appeal. Whether you are building a high-end Indian Cent set, upgrading a type collection, or acquiring a single iconic 19th-century U.S. coin, this 1864 Type 3 Bronze cent offers rarity by condition and lasting collector demand.