1864 Indian Head Cent "L" on Ribbon Pointed Bust Key-Date Civil War Bronze 215

🔥 1864 Indian Head Cent ("L" on Ribbon / Pointed Bust) - Extra Fine Plus (EF+ / XF-45) Grade Key-Date Civil War Bronze Classic | Rare & Sought-After "L" Variety | High-Grade Sharpness

Own one of the absolute Holy Grails of the entire Indian Head Cent series! Struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the height of the American Civil War, this 1864 "L" on Ribbon Indian Head Cent represents one of the most famous, highly prized, and essential key varieties in all of U.S. numismatics.

Midway through 1864, Chief Engraver James B. Longacre subtly modified his iconic design—switching from copper-nickel to bronze, sharpening Liberty's bust to a distinct Pointed Bust format, and adding his tiny initial "L" onto the lower ribbon hanging behind Liberty's neck. Because the "L" variety was introduced late in the year, far fewer were minted compared to the standard 1864 issues, creating an immediate key-date rarity.

In a choice, high-grade Extra Fine Plus (EF+ / XF-45) state of preservation, this coin boasts phenomenal detail, offering razor-sharp feather lines, crisp wreath details, and a clear, fully raised initial "L" on the ribbon.

🔍 Item Specifications

• Issuer: United States Mint (Philadelphia)

• Year: Struck in 1864

• Key Variety: "L" on Ribbon / Pointed Bust (James B. Longacre Initial)

• Denomination: One Cent (1/100)

• Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc (Bronze)

• Weight: Approx. 3.11 grams

• Diameter: ~19 mm

• Designer: James B. Longacre

• Obverse Design: Liberty wearing a Native American feather headdress inscribed LIBERTY on the headband, with the initial L on the lower ribbon fold. Pointed bust tip at the neckline. Surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the date 1864 below.

• Reverse Design: An oak wreath with a small shield at the top, enclosing the central denomination ONE CENT.

• Edge Composition: Plain Edge.

• Condition: Extra Fine Plus (EF-45 / XF-45 – Conservative U.S. Standard Grading)

📝 Condition Note

This 1864 "L" Indian Head Cent is in an authentic, high-grade Extra Fine Plus (EF+ / XF-45) condition. The obverse exhibits exceptional design relief, featuring a sharp Pointed Bust, well-defined feather tip separation, a full, fully readable LIBERTY across the headband, and the crucial key-variety initial L crisp and clearly visible on the ribbon fold.

The reverse retains a sharp oak wreath with bold leaf vein details, a complete top shield, and crisp ONE CENT central lettering. The planchet boasts smooth, glossy medium chocolate-brown surfaces with soft golden-copper highlights in protected areas. Completely solid, chemically stable, and free of active corrosion, environmental damage, or harsh modern cleaning.

Please Note: The 1864 "L" on Ribbon is a major key variety in high demand across all grade levels, and finding high-grade EF+ examples with clean planchets and a bold "L" initial is exceptionally difficult. Please inspect our high-resolution macro photography carefully to judge the sharp details, ribbon initial, and rich natural surfaces for yourself. The coin pictured is the exact item you will receive.

📦 Shipping & Professional Handling

• Cost: 100% FREE SHIPPING (Includes Full Insurance & Tracking)

• Carrier: USPS Ground Advantage / Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation.

• Protection: Shipped securely in a professional archival coin flip inside a Saf-T-Mailer to ensure your rare key-date copper investment arrives safely.

• Speed: Dispatched to confirmed addresses within 48 hours.

🛡️ The Classycoinsco Guarantee

• Authenticity: Guaranteed 100% Genuine 1864 "L" U.S. Indian Head Cent for life—no cast copies, altered ribbons, or modern counterfeits.

• Subjective Grading: I grade conservatively to ensure your expectations are met or exceeded upon arrival.

• Actual Photos: The coin you see in the listing is the exact piece you will receive—no stock photos here.

• Returns: Your satisfaction is my priority. Returns are accepted (less shipping/postage).

💳 Payment & Contact

• Payment: PayPal only (Due within 3 days of purchase).

• Questions: I’m always happy to talk key-date Indian Head cents, Longacre varieties, and Civil War-era U.S. coinage! Call L. Woodard at #904-203-5131 with any questions before you bid.

God Bless America