Bidspirit auction | 1859-1942 US Collection of Ten

1859-1942 US Collection of Ten Indian Head Cents and One Mercury Dime - This group of United States coinage consists of ten Indian Head Cents and one Mercury Dime. The Mercury Dime is dated 1942 and is struck in a silver alloy. The Indian Head Cents encompass several dates including 1859, 1860, 1863, 1897, 1899, 1902, 1905, and 1908. The early specimens dated 1859, 1860, and 1863 are composed of a pale copper-nickel alloy, while the post-1864 dates are struck in bronze. Design variations for the cents include the laurel wreath reverse on the 1859 issue and the oak wreath with shield reverse on all subsequent dates. The Mercury Dime features the winged head of Liberty on the obverse and a fasces with an olive branch on the reverse. No mint marks are visible on the reverses, suggesting Philadelphia origins for the entire group. The dime features a reeded edge, and the cents have plain edges. The coins exhibit varying degrees of circulation wear consistent with grades ranging from good to fine. Notable damage is present on the 1905 cent, which has five manually drilled holes. The 1899 cent shows significant green verdigris oxidation. The collection generally displays heavy toning, surface contact marks, and wear to the high points of the designs.