1864 Indian Head Cent – L on Ribbon – NGC AU53 BN – Bronze U.S. One Cent Coin

Description:

The 1864 Indian Head Cent with the “L on Ribbon” variety, certified by NGC as AU53 BN (Brown), is a scarce Civil War–era issue. Distinguished by designer James B. Longacre’s initial “L” on Liberty’s ribbon — the first U.S. coin to carry a designer’s initial — this bronze cent marked a pivotal change in U.S. coinage as the Mint transitioned away from copper-nickel. With attractive brown surfaces and strong detail for the grade, this coin is a desirable addition to any Indian Head cent or Civil War–era collection.

Specifications:

• Denomination: One Cent (1¢)

• Year of Issue: 1864

• Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)

• Designer: James Barton Longacre

• Series: Indian Head Cent (1859–1909)

• Variety: “L on Ribbon”

• Composition: Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc)

• Diameter: 19 mm

• Weight: 3.11 grams

• Grade: AU53 BN (Brown)

• Certification: NGC

• Holder: NGC-certified slab

Highlights:

• Certified AU53 BN by NGC

• Scarce “L on Ribbon” variety, first use of designer’s initial on U.S. coinage

• Bronze Civil War–era issue

• Designed by James Barton Longacre, U.S. Mint Chief Engraver

• Obverse: Liberty in feathered headdress with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”

• Reverse: Laurel wreath surrounding denomination “ONE CENT”

• Historic small denomination coin from the Civil War period

• Popular with Indian Head cent and variety collectors

Historical Note:

In 1864, the U.S. Mint shifted the Indian Head cent from copper-nickel to bronze, reducing weight and improving striking quality. That year also saw the introduction of Longacre’s initial “L” on the ribbon — the first designer’s mark on a U.S. coin. This detail makes the 1864 “L on Ribbon” a key variety for Indian Head cent collectors. Certified examples such as this AU53 BN balance affordability with scarcity, making them a popular choice for Civil War–era type sets and variety specialists.

Searching for more certified Indian Head cents or Civil War–era U.S. coinage? Contact us — we carry a curated selection of historic copper coins.