The US 1859 Cent coin, made of copper-nickel, marked a significant shift in U.S. coinage. This was the first year the cent was struck with this new alloy, replacing the earlier copper version. The coins design featured a shield and wreath, symbolizing unity and strength, reflecting the nations desire for stability amid growing sectional tensions.
Politically, the 1859 Cent was produced during a period of increasing division between the North and South, as tensions over slavery intensified. The shift in metal composition and design symbolized both technological progress and an attempt to solidify national identity before the outbreak of the Civil War.