1864 Indian Head Cent (Bronze No L) Repunched Date FS-1301 Snow-2

Description

During 1864 the Mint transitioned the Indian Head cent from copper-nickel to bronze, and this variety belongs to the first bronze issue — the "No L" type, so called because designer James Longacre's initial had not yet been added to the ribbon. Cataloged as FS-1301 and Snow-2, the repunched date shows the digits 186 punched a second time slightly below their original placement, leaving traces of the first impression beneath the final date. Repunched dates from this era were natural consequences of hand-punching individual logits into each working die. The 1864 Bronze No L cent holds a special place as the first year of the composition that would continue through 1909, and a documented variety with Fivaz-Stanton and Snow attributions adds meaningful significance. Collectors should examine the bases and lower serifs of the 1, 8, and 6 under magnification for secondary punch traces below the primary digits.

Attribution History

• FS-1301, Snow-2