Mintage:  10,100,000

Comments:  1861 cents have the lowest mintage of the copper nickel series.  However, examples in all grades may be found easily due to the fact of hoarding during the civil war.  This date does command a premium becasue of the mintage and demand from civil war memorabilia collectors.  As with 1859,  some cents show working hub degradation in the form of broken letters.  For 1859 it is a broken R of AMERICA and for 1860-1864 it is a broken ES of STATES.  The mint repaired some working dies with the broken ES, as is the case with the Snow 2 obverse.  As always, collectors should seek the most attractive piece for their collection.  The saying "Quality over Quantity" is also true in numismatics and a well chosen collection will pay rewards throughout its ownership.

Snow 1 is the best variety for this year and is included in the top 100 varieties list.  

Rarity Estimates For 1861 Varieties

Top  100	Variety Number	Obv	Rev	Date Position	Obverse / Reverse Attributes	Cross Reference
*	1	4	D	LH	Repunched 61 to the South, Broken ES / Die Flaws at 9:00	Snow 1, RPD-001
	2	5	E	LH	Doubled Die, Repaired 'STA(TES)'	Snow 2, DDO-001
	3	6	F	C	Broken ES / Offcenter-Clashed Die by Center Arrowhead	Snow 3, ODD-001
	4	7	G	LH	Reverse Cud Between 3:00 and 4:15
	5	8	H	LE	Reverse Die Cracks From 1:30, 4:45, 8:45 and 11:45
	6	9	I	B	Severe Reverse Die Crack Between 1:00 and 2:15
	7	10	J	RE	Repunched Date:  Initial Date Impression Located To The South Of The Serif Of The 1 Digit