1864 Indian Head Cent - L on Ribbon

Coin Details

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Description

The 1864 Indian Head Cent - L on Ribbon was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a cent in the Indian Head Cents 1859-1909 series. The U.S. Mint struck 39.2 million bronze cents dated 1864 in all; the L on Ribbon coins are an unrecorded part of that total. 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. Coined at the Philadelphia facility, the nation's original mint that has operated continuously since its 1792 founding. Estimated market value ranges from $73 to $721 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 #2079.