1864 IHC type 2 vs type 3

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by GeorgeM, Aug 25, 2021.

  1. GeorgeM

    GeorgeM Well-Known Member

    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.

    20210825_090348.jpg 20210825_090401.jpg 20210825_090425.jpg
     
    potty dollar 1878 likes this.
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. GeorgeM

    GeorgeM Well-Known Member

    Getting my son (his grandson) involved was fun. He loved sorting the pennies out from the silver. [I'll work on his priorities later]

    20210825_090905.jpg
     
    GH#75, eddiespin, Inspector43 and 2 others like this.
  4. potty dollar 1878

    potty dollar 1878 Well-Known Member

    Cool face blocker gotta start them young.
     
    GeorgeM likes this.
  5. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    It looks like yours is a copper nickel.

    Is it thicker than a normal worn Indian Head cent?

    If so, only one type
     
  6. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    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.

    1864 CN Cent All.jpg

    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.

    1864 Bronze Cent All.jpg

    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.

    1864-L Cent All.jpg

    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."

    1864-L Cent L detail.jpg

    Close-up of the "No L" variety.

    1864 Bronze No L.jpg

    Here is the rounded bust on the "Bronze" variety.

    1864 Bronze Rounded Bust.jpg

    And the pointed bust on the "L" variety.

    1864-L Pointed Bust.jpg

    As a practical matter, the "L" really has to show in order for the coin to bring a premium price.
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page