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1864 Bronze L Indian Head penny value guide -- the designer's-initial variety, and grade-by-grade prices.


1864 was the year the composition switched from copper-nickel to bronze mid-year, and the bronze issue added designer James B. Longacre's initial "L" to the ribbon on Liberty's headdress.
The source's mintage for 1864 bronze covers all varieties combined (No L + With L) at 39,233,714 -- individual mintage for the With-L variety alone is not separately broken out.
Other dates and varieties in this series
Condition drives price more than any other factor on a coin like this — two examples of the same date can be worth very different amounts depending on wear and authentication.
The value table above is organized by grade for a reason — a coin's condition, not just its date, sets where it lands on that range. If you're not sure how to grade, a seller's photos and description should call it out.
A professionally graded (PCGS/NGC) example carries more certainty than a raw coin, and usually a small premium for it. Both are fine to buy — just factor grading into the price you're comparing.
Prices vary between individual sellers here, not one retailer's price list. Sort by price, check the seller's Metal Points and order history, and message the seller if photos don't show enough detail to grade confidently.
About the 1864 Bronze Indian Head Penny
Value depends heavily on condition. A well-worn example brings closer to $73, while an uncirculated one can reach $721 or more.
1864 was the year the composition switched from copper-nickel to bronze mid-year, and the bronze issue added designer James B. Longacre's initial "L" to the ribbon on Liberty's headdress.
For anything you believe is a key date or an error, professional grading protects both buyer and seller by settling condition and authenticity before money changes hands.
List it free on PeerMetals — flat 2.75% seller fee, zero listing fees, 1–3 day payouts.