1864 Indian Head Cent - Bronze No L

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,760 MS68BN 08-20-2019 Stack's Bowers

Description

A cent from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1864 Indian Head Cent - Bronze No L belongs to the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The U.S. Mint produced 39.2 million examples, making this ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 43% of production. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often misidentified as a Native American — actually represents Liberty adorned with a chief's war bonnet and the reverse displays an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. Composition changed from copper-nickel to bronze due to Civil War metal shortages. The "L" initial for Longacre first appears on the ribbon, creating two major varieties. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $30 to $527 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2076.