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Engraver

James B. Longacre

Longacre is best known for designing the Indian Head cent, which entered commerce in 1859, and for the designs of the Shield nickel, Flying Eagle cent and other coins of the mid-19th century. Longacre was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in 1794. He ran away to Philadelphia at age 12, where he became an apprentice in a bookstore.

Also recorded as James Barton Longacre · J. B. Longacre

James B. Longacre

James Barton Longacre photo.

Isaac Rehn (1815 - 1883) · ShieldNickels.Net (direct) · Public domain

Birth Name
James Barton Longacre
Born
11 August 1794
Birthplace
Delaware County, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died
1 January 1869
Place of death
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Nationality
United States.
Occupation
painter, engraver and medalist.
Fields
portrait.

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Documentary summary

Longacre is best known for designing the Indian Head cent, which entered commerce in 1859, and for the designs of the Shield nickel, Flying Eagle cent and other coins of the mid-19th century. Longacre was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in 1794. He ran away to Philadelphia at age 12, where he became an apprentice in a bookstore.

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Note VALÉORINE

James B. Longacre (1794–1869) was an engraver, medalist and painter, of American nationality. The engraver was born in Delaware County and died in Philadelphia. James B. Longacre worked in United States. The work spans portrait.

Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 30 September 2026

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wikidata · Q3806459 · wikipedia · James B. Longacre

In this article

  1. 01Biography
  2. 02Writing and publications
  3. 03Archives and collections
  4. 04Bibliography and scholarly literature
  5. 05Notes, references and evidence

The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.

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