The US 1860 Cent coin, designed by James B. Longacre, featured a shield and laurel wreath. Issued just before the Civil War, the coin’s composition of copper-nickel alloy marked a shift in U.S. minting practices. The 1860 Cent represented the country’s evolving economy, moving away from solely copper coins.
Politically, the 1860 Cent symbolized the turbulent times leading up to the Civil War, reflecting the nation’s division. Longacre’s design, focusing on unity and strength, mirrored the U.S. efforts to maintain economic stability. The copper-nickel alloy emphasized cost-effective production as the nation prepared for the conflict, which would reshape its financial systems.