1864 Indian Head Cent - Bronze No L

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Description

A cent from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1864 Indian Head Cent - Bronze No L belongs to the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The U.S. Mint's 39.2 million is every 1864 bronze cent, with or without the L; how many lack it is not recorded. The obverse features Liberty wearing a feathered headdress, often misidentified as a Native American — actually represents Liberty adorned with a chief's war bonnet and the reverse displays an oak wreath with a shield at the top, enclosing ONE CENT. Copper-nickel cents were hoarded during the Civil War, and the Act of April 22, 1864 replaced them with a lighter bronze cent like the private tokens then circulating. The "L" initial for Longacre first appears on the ribbon, creating two major varieties. Philadelphia's mint — the nation's first — has produced coins without interruption since its founding in 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $30 to $527 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #2076.