1864 Indian Head Cent - L on Ribbon - CU-1c-1864-10R Cud

Description

Documented on the reverse of an 1864 Indian Head Cent with the designer's initial L on the ribbon — the variety introduced mid-year when James Barton Longacre's initial was added to the design — this tenth reverse cud records a major die break where a piece of the reverse die rim fractured and fell away. When a section of the die rim separates, the resulting cavity fills with metal during striking, producing a raised, featureless blob at the edge of the coin that obliterates whatever design detail formerly occupied that space. The "10R" designation indicates this is the tenth documented reverse cud for the 1864 Indian Head Cent, a count that reflects both the number of reverse dies used and the mechanical stresses inherent in striking these bronze planchets. The 1864 "L on Ribbon" variety marks a pivotal transition in the Indian Head Cent series: earlier that year, the composition changed from heavier copper-nickel (4.67 grams) to lighter bronze (3.11 grams), and Longacre's initial was added below the hair ribbon on the obverse. This compositional and design change occurred during the Civil War, when base-metal coinage was being hoarded and the Mint was experimenting with different alloys. Indian Head Cents were struck at the Philadelphia Mint throughout the series' 1859-1909 run, joined by San Francisco in 1908 and 1909, and dies for the small-diameter cent (19mm) experienced rim stress patterns distinct from larger denominations.

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