1864 Indian Head Cent (L on Ribbon) Repunched Date FS-2303 Snow-4

Description

Cross-referenced as FS-2303 in the Fivaz-Stanton Cherrypickers' Guide and Snow-4 in the Snow Indian Head Cent reference, this 1864 Indian Head Cent of the L on Ribbon variety shows a repunched date — one or more date digits punched into the die more than once, leaving visible traces of the secondary impression on struck coins. The L on Ribbon variety was introduced in 1864 when engraver James Barton Longacre added his initial L to the ribbon on Liberty's headband — the most important sub-variety distinction in the 1864 Indian Head cent series. The 1864 date represents the transition year in cent composition: earlier cents were copper-nickel, while mid-year production shifted to the bronze alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) that would define the cent for over a century. L on Ribbon cents appear on the bronze issue, the sub-type of greater collector value. FS-2303 and Snow-4 together confirm this variety's standing in both the broad Cherrypickers' catalogue and the dedicated Indian Head Cent specialist reference. A significant repunched date variety on one of the most historically consequential Indian Head Cent issues.

Attribution History

• FS-2303, Snow-4