1859 1C Shield Reverse Indian Cent NGC MS65 (PHOTO SEAL)

Old J-228. The Shield Reverse 1859 cent was elevated in the 2022 Red Book when it was given regular issue status again after 63 years. Back in 1959 the popular catalog was the Standard Catalog and the 1859 Shield Reverse was deemed appropriate for that catalog at that time and given a regular listing in the date set. Soon after by a quirk of fate, the Standard Catalog ceased publishing and the Red Book took over as the main catalog of choice. The Shield Reverse was not listed in the date section. Finally after numerous articles by myself and prodding from Dave Bowers, the Red Book added the Shield Reverse. A thousand examples were struck in December 1859 and the entire mintage was not released, possibly being bought up by a local dealer. This would have cost $10. They were all sold to collectors years later. I have only seen one example that saw extensive circulation. This example is well struck and a beautiful example. Ex: Exemplar collection (on holder); HA 8/20; Don Kelley collection.