Copper-Nickel, Laurel Wreath Reverse Without Shield (1859 Only): 1859 was the first year of Indian Head Cents, so this was the first die.

Copper-Nickel, Oak Wreath Reverse With Shield (1860-1864): The 1859 variety was quickly forgotten, and was replaced by a new wreath and a shield at the top. This is what the rest of Indian Head Cents look like, except for more minor changes.

Bronze, Oak Wreath Reverse With Shield, No L (1864 Only): In 1864, because of the Civil War, and because of the hardness of the nickel, the Indian Head Cent was changed to bronze.

Bronze, With L, Shallow N (1864-1872): In late 1864, a tiny L was added on the Indian's ribbon, the L stood for 'Longacre,' the Indian Head Cent's Designer.

Bronze, With L, Bold N, Last Feather in Between I and C (1870-1886): In the years 1870-1872, the Shallow N and Bold N varieties were used interchangeably, the Shallow N being more valuable in all 3 years. Afterward, the Bold N was used and used only.

Bronze, Bold N, Last Feather in Between C and A (1886-1909): In 1886, a new die was used with the last feather in the Indian's headband pointing in between the C and A in AMERICA instead of the I and C used previously. In 1886, the 2nd variety is worth a slight premium. This variety was continued until 1909, when the Indian Head Cent was changed to the Lincoln Wheat Cent.