"L" in the ribbon of this 1964 Indian Head?....

Hi -
Here are 2 photos of my 1864 Indian Head as well as one close up of what appears to me to be an "L" in the ribbon on the reverse. I think it's where it is supposed to be, but I have been told I am inclined to pareidolia, so I don't exactly trust myself.
Do you see a ribbon also?

If so, any guess as to the grade and worth?
Thanks!!

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Yes, there is an L.

 

I see the L. The other tell is the pointed bust. Good eye. Regards.

 

No one ever seems to mention that the L is sideways, or bother to describe what is meant by a pointed bust.

 

At least she shaved her armpits.

 

L is for....?

 

Longacre - the designer. Signifying the change from Cupro-Nickel to Bronze.

 

Snart choice. Anything else on the menu dear poochie.

 

winner winner chicken dinner!

 

Yes, it is. The "L" is visible, and the bust is pointed. Here is a Mint State Example.





Pointed Bust



Rounded bust which is on the 1864 Bronze cent. This was also used for the 1864 Copper-Nickel cent.

 

I have a pointed bust I think but my coin is two low grade to see the L.

 

Yes, the bust is pointed, you most probably have an 1864-L cent. In the old days, and probably now, the letter must show to qualify. It can be as little as a “bump” in the right place on a low grade piece. If you have a strong glass, you might be able to see it.

 

“L” is for Longacre who designed the Indian Cent. In mid 1864 James Longacre decided to redo the master hubs which were made to produce the working dies. The design was the same, but there were subtle differences, like the “L” and the pointed bust.

The old tools were used to strike the 1864 copper-nickel and bronze cents. According to David Bowers, the 1864-L and bronze cents were made at the same time in the second half of the year. The mint used the old dies until they wore out.

 

To tie things up, here is a photo of the 1864 Bronze Indian Cent. This is actually a minor, one year type coin. It does not have the "L" which was on all of the subsequent Indian cents. I think that it is a little underrated compared to the 1864-L cent.



And here are the two varieties side by side.

 

Let me see if I can take a pic of it.

 

Here is a pic

 

@buddy16cat, it’s got to be a lot clearer than that. I have taken some decent close-ups with an iPad.

 

I can try again.

 

This is the best I can do. My phone doesn’t take small pics very well.