CU-1c-1864-05R (no L) Cud

Description

Fifth documented reverse cud on the 1864 Indian Head Cent in the Bronze No L sub-type, this die break variety records a rim fracture on one of the most historically significant dates in the Indian Head series. The "no L" designation refers to the absence of designer James B. Longacre's initial L on the ribbon behind Liberty's neck — a feature that was added partway through 1864 production, creating two distinct sub-types for the year. The bronze composition itself was new in 1864, replacing the copper-nickel alloy used from 1859 through 1863. This compositional change — from 88% copper and 12% nickel to 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc — was driven by wartime hoarding of nickel and produced a thinner, lighter coin (3.11 grams at 19mm versus the earlier 4.67 grams). The cud formed when a section of the reverse die rim fractured and separated, leaving a cavity that filled with metal during striking to create a raised featureless blob. Five documented cuds for the 1864 Bronze No L variety suggests multiple reverse dies developed terminal rim failures during production of this transitional sub-type, which is notable given the relatively modest technology and production speeds of Civil War-era minting.

External References