An alloy change to the metal in 1864 began the second metal variety of Indian cents. A thinner coin made of 95% copper with tin and zinc. Color of the coin is a deeper shade and noticeably thinner. Placed flat on a surface the difference in thickness is visible.

Most surviving Indian cents are the copper variety. Original mintage placed over 1.5 billion into circulation. Highest mintage year was 1907, with over 108 million struck This coin is the final year