How to Identify the 1864 L Indian Head Cent
A close-up guide to finding and confirming the tiny 'L' initial on the ribbon of the 1864 bronze Indian Head cent, one of the series' most sought-after varieties.
Read the full 1864 L Indian Head Cent encyclopedia entry →
What It Is
The 1864 "L" cent is a variety of the bronze Indian Head cent struck in the second half of 1864, distinguished by a tiny letter "L" added to the design. The initial stands for designer James B. Longacre and was added to give him formal credit, similar to how "VDB" would later appear on the 1909 Lincoln cent.
Obverse Design
The obverse shows the standard Indian Head design: Liberty facing left in a feathered headdress with "LIBERTY" on the band, thirteen stars around the rim, and the date below. The distinguishing "L" is punched into the ribbon of the headdress at the point where it meets the bust truncation, near the bottom of the neck. It is very small and easy to overlook without magnification.
Reverse Design
The reverse matches other 1864-1909 Indian Head cents: an oak wreath tied with a ribbon bow at the bottom, a small shield at the top center, and "ONE CENT" inside the wreath.
Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge
Because this variety exists only on the bronze cents struck later in 1864, it weighs about 3.11 grams, is 19mm in diameter, made of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, and has a plain edge. The copper-nickel cents struck earlier in 1864 do not carry the L.
Mint Marks
All 1864 cents, with or without the L, were struck in Philadelphia and show no mint mark.
Telling It Apart from Similar Coins
The key comparison is against a plain 1864 bronze cent without the L, which looks identical apart from that one small initial. Use a loupe and view the ribbon under raking light at the point it crosses the truncation of the bust; on genuine L varieties the letter is sharply formed and sits flush with the ribbon's surface, not floating above it. Beware also of 1864 cents where a scratch or die flaw near the ribbon has been mistaken for, or passed off as, the L.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Since this is chiefly a variety identified by a design detail rather than by overall rarity of date, grade it the same way as any Indian Head cent: check headdress feather separation, the diamond above the ear, and wreath and shield details on the reverse for wear.
Authenticity Red Flags
Because genuine 1864-L cents carry a strong premium over plain 1864 bronze cents, this variety attracts alterations. Watch for an "L" that looks added after striking (raised unevenly, with tool marks or a different texture from the surrounding ribbon), or one placed in the wrong spot on the ribbon. Comparison with verified reference images of the authentic L's size, shape, and exact placement is the best defense against an altered coin.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the L on the 1864 L cent?
It's a small letter punched into the ribbon of Liberty's headdress, right where the ribbon crosses the bust truncation near the base of the neck.
What does the L stand for?
It stands for James B. Longacre, the coin's designer, who was given this small credit on the 1864 bronze cent.
Does the L appear on copper-nickel 1864 cents too?
No, the L is found only on the bronze-composition 1864 cents struck later in the year, not on the earlier copper-nickel issues.
Why is this variety valuable?
It was a limited addition made only in part of 1864's production run, making genuine examples scarcer than plain 1864 bronze cents.