1859 1C Shield Reverse Indian Cent PCGS MS66 (PHOTO SEAL)

Superb Gem Unc (15: 5,5,5). These have recently been elevated to regular issue status in the Red Book. The grading services will likely follow soon. About 1,000 piece were struck in December 1859 after the design was changed from the laurel wreath to a wreath of oak and laurel with a shield above. The design was made to give the coin an more National look, as stipulated by then-Treasury Secretary Howell Cobb. These had been listed as patterns, J-228 and that label is still on the holder. This is the finest example that I have handled and I have sold many examples of this coin. It is fully struck, which is unusual for this issue. Only 17 examples have received this grade and only one example is graded higher.