The United States Mint at Philadelphia struck 550 Proof Indian cents in 1862. Sales to contemporary collectors were likely sluggish at first since the Mint required payment in gold, which had disappeared from circulation in the East and Midwest late in 1861 after the start of the Civil War. While many examples likely remained unsold by year's end Rick Snow (2014) states, "It is probable that these pieces, probably numbering 200, were later found and sold to collectors." We suspect that this theory was put forth to explain the relative availability of the 1862 compared to other Proof copper-nickel cents of the 1860 to 1864 era, especially in the finest grades. This issue is also known for the high quality of most survivors.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the August 2019 Rosemont ANA Auction, where it realized $7,800.