1869 Indian Cent 
Struck on 
Silver Dime Planchet

PCGS AU 55

Courtesy Of:  Byers Numismatic Corp.

This spectacular Indian Cent was struck on a Silver Dime blank planchet intended for the Seated Dime series. It is also dated 1869, which is a rare date in the Indian Head Cent series. It is a unique Silver Indian Cent for the date, and one of approximately 10 known for all dates.

This is a famous Mint Error and it's pedigree dates back to at least 1913. It was originally in the Woodin Collection of Patterns, Die Trials and Mint Errors and was subsequently listed in the Adams and Woodin Reference Book, which was published in 1913. It was assigned AW# 825.

It was subsequently sold to Brenner and was included in his collection, which was exhibited at the American Numismatic Society in 1914. It was then in the Olsen collection and has subsequently sold and has traded hands several times since then.

It is also listed in Judd as a mint error and has been recently featured on uspatterns.com.

It is a breathtaking and dramatic mint error since it is a SILVER INDIAN CENT!! It is fully struck, which is unusual for Cents struck on Dime Planchets. It has razor sharp detail including the word Liberty, the feathers in the Indian's headband and the diamonds by the neck. It has a bright silvery appearance with beautiful cobalt and red peripheral toning.

Considering that it is unique for the date, is over 130 years old and is a true classic Major Mint Error, this would be the centerpiece and highlight of a Major Mint Error collection or an Indian Cent collection.

uspatterns.com offers the following information on silver Indian cents:

"Indian Cents struck on silver dime planchets were often offered as patterns in early, circa 1900, auction sales. 

Several years are reported including 1863, 1864-L, 1868, 1869, 1893, 1900, 1905 and 1908. Additional dates are likely.

The 1864-L and 1869 are listed in the Adams & Woodin pattern book as AW467 and AW825 respectively. The latter [...] is believed to be unique and to be the original Woodin, Brenner-1914 ANS exhibit, Olsen example although it doesn't match the Adams and Woodin plate. Its more recent pedigree includes lot 829 in Superior's 9/98 sale, Tony Terranova, Michael Byers and is now in a private collection. Note that the planchet is too small."