As one of the most well-known coins ever issued by the United States Mint, the Indian Head Cent maintains a special status within American numismatic history. Minted from 1859 through 1909, this low-denomination coin signaled a shift in U.S. coinage design, moving away from rigid classical imagery and toward representations that aligned with a strengthening national identity. This particular 1864 Indian Head Cent represents the first issue in a transition era for US copper pennies, with a new weight of 3.11 grams and a new alloy of 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc. Now, the 1864 Indian Head Cent is available online from JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Coin arrives in an individual slab!
• 7th issue of Indian Head Cents!
• Type II reverse visuals!
• First bronze penny with copper, tin, and zinc!
• Contains 3.11 grams of 95% copper.
• Issued a face value of $.01 (USD).
• Bears a grade of About Uncirculated 58 from the Professional Coin Grading Service.
• BN designation.
• Rare L initial on Liberty’s ribbon.
• The obverse depicts Liberty wearing a headdress.
• On the reverse is the oak-and-laurel wreath with the Union Shield.
• Please note that there may be a variation in the exact appearance of each coin in this listing.

This 1864 Indian Head Cent is a rare US copper penny, courtesy of its L on Ribbon designation. Only a small portion of 1864 Indian Head Cents featured the L initial of designer James B. Longacre on the obverse side. The L is found on the ribbon behind Liberty’s head. AU58 coins have only trace signs of friction on the highest points, with medium or near-full luster. The BN designation is unique to copper coins and stands for Brown. It indicates that only 5% or less of the original reddish-orange color remains on the coin, with oxidation and toning over time delivering a chocolate-brown color to the copper.

The obverse design of the 1864 Indian Head Cent presents Liberty facing left, adorned with a headdress resembling those traditionally associated with Native American cultures. This design was crafted by Mint Engraver James B. Longacre and has generated both acclaim and criticism throughout the years. Although commonly identified as an Indian Head, the figure is not intended to represent a Native American. Rather, Liberty is shown wearing a feathered headdress, blending established allegorical imagery with symbolic references inspired by Native American culture.

The Type II reverse design appears on the 1864 Indian Head Cent and represents an important evolution within the series. Over the course of its production, the Indian Head Cent saw a key alteration to its reverse. The earliest coins, struck from 1859 to 1860, featured a laurel wreath encircling the words “ONE CENT,” but this design was changed in 1860 to an oak wreath with a small shield positioned at the top. Introduced as the Civil War began, the Union Shield stood as a symbol of unity during a period of national turmoil. It remained part of the reverse design for the remainder of the series, transforming a decorative feature into a statement of national perseverance.

JM Bullion customer service can assist you with questions about historic US copper coins at 800-276-6508. We are also available online through our web chat and email address.