Despite a heavy coinage of bronze cents in 1864, the immediate demand for more pieces was great in 1865. This resulted in another high mintage figure for the period, and examples of this date are plentiful today in most grades.
Two highly distinctive date styles were used for 1865 cents, and neither is rare. These are called the Plain 5 and Fancy 5, respectively. The Plain 5 has a nearly flat top and the horizontal stroke points slightly outside the ball of the 5. On the Fancy 5 (photos) the flag is boldly curved and the horizontal stroke points almost directly at the ball.
The cents of 1865 are rich in die-punching varieties. A nice doubled-die reverse is also noted for this date.
Mintage:
| Philadelphia |
| 35,429,286 |