1864 Indian Head Cent (Bronze No L) Die Clash (Near-Full Portrait Transfer)

Description

A dramatic die clash is visible on this 1864 Indian Head cent (Bronze No L variety). A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. In this case, nearly the full Indian portrait has been clashed onto the reverse, and the wreath design is clashed between the bottom feathers on the obverse. This is an exceptionally strong clash showing extensive design transfer. The 1864 Bronze No L variety was among the first bronze Indian Head cents struck after the mid-1864 composition change from copper-nickel to bronze. The "No L" designation indicates the absence of designer James Longacre's initial on the ribbon.