1864 Indian Head Cent (Bronze No L) Die Clash (Portrait Outline Transfer)

Description

A 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, reverse lettering is clashed in front of the Indian's face on the obverse, and most of the Indian portrait outline has been transferred to the reverse. 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.