The US 1865 Cent, designed by James B. Longacre, featured the Indian Head design and was struck in a bronze alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc). This composition replaced the earlier copper-nickel mix, reflecting wartime metal shortages during the Civil War (1861–1865). The war’s end in 1865 marked President Lincoln’s assassination, a pivotal moment affecting national unity and economic recovery. The US 1865 Cent symbolized resilience, as its lightweight bronze design made it easier to circulate amid hoarding and financial instability. Longacre’s Liberty in a Native headdress design embodied a unified national identity during Reconstruction.
Economically, the US 1865 Cent circulated during the transition from war to peace, amid the push for greenback-backed currency and debates over hard money. The Freedmen’s Bureau was established in 1865, aiding formerly enslaved individuals, while industrialization accelerated, increasing the demand for copper—a key component of the coin. The US 1865 Cent’s bronze composition aligned with economic shifts, ensuring affordability and practicality. Longacre’s design remained a staple, reinforcing national pride as America rebuilt. The US 1865 Cent, with its enduring symbolism and material choice, reflected the nation’s resilience during this transformative period.