Is there an easy way to distinguish between the two types of 1864 cent? Going through my late father-in-law's unsorted grab bag, I think I've found an 1864 in AG3 condition (it's *rough*). But I didn't realize that date had multiple compositions until today, so I have a bit of a learning curve.
Getting my son (his grandson) involved was fun. He loved sorting the pennies out from the silver. [I'll work on his priorities later]
It looks like yours is a copper nickel. Is it thicker than a normal worn Indian Head cent? If so, only one type
There are three major varieties of 1864 Indian Cents. The first one was made of copper-nickel, 88% copper, 12% nickel. It is thicker and heavier than the modern cent. The second type, introduced toward the middle of the year, was made of bronze, 95% copper and 5% zinc and tin. It is thinner and is the same size as the modern cent, but not the same composition. The modern cent is made of zinc with a copper coating. The third type is the 1864-L, which is the most valuable and the hardest to spot. The "L" refers to the addition of the designer, James Longacre's, initial to a ribbon that is behind the ribbon with the diamond designs on it. It is very small and hard to see. It also often worn off of pieces that are in low grade. The variety can be spotted if you look at the tip of the Indian's bust. The "L" variety has a pointed bust while the "Bronze" variety has a more rounded one. Here is a close-up picture of the "L." Close-up of the "No L" variety. Here is the rounded bust on the "Bronze" variety. And the pointed bust on the "L" variety. As a practical matter, the "L" really has to show in order for the coin to bring a premium price.
