1864 Indian Head Cent (L on Ribbon) Die Clash (Reverse)

Description

A die clash is visible on the reverse of this 1864 Indian Head cent (L on Ribbon variety). A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. In this case, the Indian's feathers are clashed inside the right wreath, and the neck and chin are visible under the left side of the shield on the reverse. The 1864 L on Ribbon variety features designer James Longacre's initial "L" on the lower ribbon of the Indian's headdress. This was the first year the initial appeared, added partway through the bronze production run.