Indian Head Penny Values
How Much Indian Head Pennies are Worth: Indian Head Penny Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1859 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $20.20 | $29.90 | $47 | $128 | $199 | $402 | $874 | $1,444.00 | $2,683.00 | $4,855.00 |
| 1860 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $18.20 | $50 | $80 | $100 | $180 | $225 | $465 | $667 | $1,395.00 | $2,830.00 |
| 1860 | (None) Phil | Pointed Bust | -- | $29.80 | $39 | $61 | $107 | $171 | $385 | $683 | $1,330.00 | $3,140.00 | $7,375.00 |
| 1861 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $36 | $44 | $58 | $104 | $149 | $245 | $502 | $742 | $1,275.00 | $3,413.00 |
| 1862 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $20.20 | $24.60 | $50 | $57 | $84 | $280 | $412 | $563 | $1,195.00 | $2,435.00 |
| 1863 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.20 | $19.60 | $40 | $70 | $89 | $171 | $400 | $550 | $995 | $3,030.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Large Letters | -- | $50 | $38 | $75 | $110 | $170 | $240 | $452 | $665 | $1,375.00 | $2,765.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $30 | $28.10 | $60 | $71 | $99 | $160 | $205 | $345 | $483 | $625 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Bronze | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $220 | $294 | $399 | $690 | $1,060.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $225 | $422 | $600 | $1,515.00 | $3,665.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | L on Ribbon | BN | $82 | $139 | $178 | $237 | $303 | $417 | $559 | $858 | $1,248.00 | $3,210.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | L on Ribbon | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $530 | $790 | $1,170.00 | $1,760.00 | $5,215.00 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | L on Ribbon | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $550 | $1,148.00 | $2,340.00 | $4,260.00 | $26,675.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | BN | $20.30 | $31 | $38 | $67 | $160 | $134 | $251 | $370 | $625 | $1,740.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $153 | $313 | $491 | $1,059.00 | $2,255.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | BN | $35 | $40 | $49 | $80 | $99 | $183 | $274 | $371 | $640 | $990 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250 | $378 | $551 | $938 | $2,535.00 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $275 | $605 | $1,100.00 | $2,245.00 | $18,500.00 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $215 | $533 | $700 | $2,530.00 | $6,500.00 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $110 | $130 | $118 | $172 | $237 | $375 | $579 | $650 | $1,149.00 | $1,540.00 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $425 | $625 | $1,062.00 | $1,511.00 | $3,695.00 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $460 | $1,055.00 | $2,450.00 | $5,800.00 | $20,550.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $71 | $90 | $114 | $175 | $242 | $321 | $443 | $634 | $1,015.00 | $3,328.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $340 | $625 | $990 | $1,719.00 | $3,990.00 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $400 | $1,100.00 | $1,480.00 | $6,025.00 | $24,150.00 |
| 1867/67 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $182 | $234 | $332 | $715 | $863 | $1,513.00 | $2,170.00 | $3,950.00 | $5,010.00 | $4,400.00 |
| 1867/67 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $10,000.00 | $16,400.00 | $26,400.00 | -- |
| 1868/67 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,650.00 | $2,895.00 | $4,900.00 | $5,810.00 | $6,160.00 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $120 | $90 | $116 | $260 | $253 | $353 | $450 | $559 | $768 | $1,398.00 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $475 | $550 | $833 | $1,248.00 | $1,585.00 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $525 | $953 | $1,670.00 | $3,915.00 | $31,900.00 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $115 | $227 | $287 | $420 | $524 | $780 | $1,073.00 | $1,165.00 | $1,660.00 | $2,425.00 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $950 | $1,259.00 | $1,533.00 | $2,573.00 | $3,925.00 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000.00 | $1,428.00 | $1,798.00 | $3,430.00 | $22,600.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $133 | $250 | $300 | $490 | $477 | $691 | $808 | $1,045.00 | $1,775.00 | $3,000.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $825 | $1,015.00 | $1,538.00 | $2,350.00 | $3,900.00 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $875 | $1,285.00 | $2,240.00 | $3,905.00 | $9,950.00 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $128 | $190 | $370 | $457 | $560 | $695 | $858 | $1,100.00 | $1,870.00 | $3,813.00 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $750 | $952 | $1,430.00 | $2,340.00 | $4,150.00 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $800 | $2,565.00 | $3,355.00 | $7,555.00 | $23,500.00 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $146 | $237 | $317 | $441 | $555 | $804 | $1,065.00 | $1,590.00 | $2,475.00 | $5,150.00 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000.00 | $1,650.00 | $2,065.00 | $2,875.00 | $5,425.00 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $950 | $3,055.00 | $4,965.00 | $12,925.00 | $54,450.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Open 3 | BN | $50 | $71 | $89 | $160 | $224 | $318 | $448 | $483 | $1,095.00 | $1,895.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Open 3 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $360 | $649 | $1,013.00 | $1,428.00 | $2,960.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Open 3 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $400 | $890 | $1,565.00 | $4,025.00 | $6,695.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Closed 3 | BN | $55 | $78 | $113 | $178 | $276 | $422 | $514 | $847 | $1,198.00 | $1,760.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Closed 3 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $500 | $755 | $1,234.00 | $1,943.00 | $3,245.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Closed 3 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $550 | $1,430.00 | $2,008.00 | $6,525.00 | $28,250.00 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Doubled Liberty | BN | $402 | $638 | $1,223.00 | $3,035.00 | $3,813.00 | $5,990.00 | $8,035.00 | $12,650.00 | $16,500.00 | -- |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Doubled Liberty | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $8,000.00 | $8,380.00 | $19,450.00 | $58,100.00 | -- |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $50 | $51 | $70 | $104 | $230 | $211 | $286 | $352 | $612 | $965 |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250 | $364 | $573 | $788 | $1,825.00 |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $260 | $514 | $821 | $2,318.00 | $9,375.00 |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $35 | $80 | $100 | $125 | $220 | $242 | $330 | $425 | $743 | $1,350.00 |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $300 | $396 | $656 | $1,040.00 | $2,130.00 |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $325 | $432 | $987 | $3,625.00 | $13,000.00 |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $80 | $81 | $140 | $178 | $256 | $303 | $392 | $486 | $755 | $2,195.00 |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $350 | $493 | $731 | $1,232.00 | $2,205.00 |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $375 | $798 | $1,330.00 | $2,710.00 | $6,665.00 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $814 | $1,259.00 | $1,795.00 | $2,508.00 | $3,013.00 | $4,885.00 | $6,938.00 | $8,790.00 | $12,350.00 | $19,900.00 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,000.00 | $8,625.00 | $11,225.00 | $17,250.00 | $30,700.00 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,150.00 | $9,538.00 | $12,300.00 | $31,950.00 | $119,500.00 |
| 1878 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $51 | $83 | $137 | $220 | $258 | $336 | $403 | $460 | $650 | $1,425.00 |
| 1878 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $400 | $469 | $689 | $988 | $2,103.00 |
| 1878 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $425 | $655 | $1,323.00 | $1,885.00 | $8,250.00 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $25 | $27.30 | $40 | $90 | $150 | $114 | $202 | $255 | $377 | $1,123.00 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $133 | $237 | $338 | $573 | $1,488.00 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $160 | $354 | $600 | $2,270.00 | $8,300.00 |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $13 | $15 | $17.70 | $33 | $52 | $78 | $134 | $191 | $368 | $532 |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $190 | $325 | $559 | $2,563.00 |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $390 | $746 | $3,279.00 | $6,750.00 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $5.70 | $9.30 | $14.90 | $40 | $38 | $68 | $131 | $186 | $343 | $573 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90 | $183 | $291 | $675 | $1,430.00 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $140 | $382 | $598 | $1,038.00 | $5,350.00 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $3.20 | $5.80 | $8.40 | $26 | $38 | $80 | $142 | $174 | $304 | $482 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $125 | $190 | $357 | $531 | $990 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $327 | $564 | $1,230.00 | $4,715.00 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $7.70 | $10 | $17.90 | $31 | $38 | $73 | $120 | $169 | $331 | $557 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $194 | $302 | $520 | $1,090.00 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $288 | $534 | $1,037.00 | $3,330.00 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $6.80 | $8.30 | $30 | $50 | $45 | $88 | $160 | $226 | $327 | $1,260.00 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $120 | $197 | $335 | $573 | $1,503.00 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $125 | $405 | $676 | $1,410.00 | $5,225.00 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $11.50 | $15.10 | $27.80 | $61 | $89 | $128 | $177 | $255 | $484 | $1,007.00 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $140 | $267 | $362 | $899 | $1,179.00 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $150 | $418 | $908 | $1,355.00 | $4,965.00 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 1 | BN | $25 | $26.30 | $62 | $200 | $178 | $231 | $306 | $390 | $663 | $1,550.00 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 1 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $275 | $379 | $808 | $1,540.00 | $5,200.00 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 1 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $300 | $760 | $1,615.00 | $4,080.00 | $11,530.00 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 2 | BN | $29.70 | $46 | $86 | $200 | $218 | $312 | $533 | $585 | $1,330.00 | $2,200.00 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 2 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $385 | $907 | $1,328.00 | $1,715.00 | $8,329.00 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 2 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $500 | $2,138.00 | $4,095.00 | $8,525.00 | $17,350.00 |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.90 | $5.40 | $12.60 | $32 | $120 | $64 | $135 | $202 | $305 | $863 |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80 | $185 | $346 | $860 | $2,160.00 |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $359 | $614 | $1,650.00 | $4,715.00 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $11.70 | $13.80 | $17.60 | $50 | $41 | $200 | $175 | $253 | $519 | $1,100.00 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $135 | $206 | $471 | $988 | $1,895.00 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $150 | $362 | $752 | $1,510.00 | $8,275.00 |
| 1888/7 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $64,200.00 | $75,250.00 | -- | -- |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $3.10 | $4.40 | $7.20 | $25 | $34 | $66 | $118 | $164 | $343 | $825 |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $95 | $159 | $324 | $531 | $1,255.00 |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $273 | $617 | $1,383.00 | $7,630.00 |
| 1890 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.60 | $3.90 | $5.30 | $20 | $34 | $71 | $102 | $165 | $397 | $1,050.00 |
| 1890 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85 | $183 | $300 | $753 | $1,950.00 |
| 1890 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $199 | $493 | $1,125.00 | $5,175.00 |
| 1891 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.10 | $5.40 | $9.30 | $20 | $33 | $59 | $107 | $164 | $256 | $763 |
| 1891 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80 | $164 | $569 | $833 | $1,280.00 |
| 1891 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $275 | $613 | $1,131.00 | $4,540.00 |
| 1892 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.20 | $5.70 | $9.20 | $25.50 | $35 | $60 | $115 | $173 | $319 | $660 |
| 1892 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $164 | $300 | $600 | $1,165.00 |
| 1892 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $319 | $560 | $1,790.00 | $3,650.00 |
| 1893 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.10 | $4.40 | $5.90 | $19.40 | $28 | $54 | $107 | $220 | $287 | $998 |
| 1893 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85 | $148 | $287 | $545 | $1,560.00 |
| 1894 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $7.30 | $14.60 | $45 | $48 | $80 | $97 | $154 | $239 | $313 | $1,010.00 |
| 1894 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $120 | $177 | $445 | $770 | $1,118.00 |
| 1894 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $135 | $273 | $582 | $1,403.00 | $2,343.00 |
| 1895 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.80 | $5.10 | $7.70 | $20.80 | $37 | $65 | $130 | $156 | $221 | $418 |
| 1895 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90 | $139 | $215 | $529 | $700 |
| 1895 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90 | $267 | $459 | $990 | $1,720.00 |
| 1896 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3.10 | $6.70 | $15.30 | $31 | $57 | $102 | $146 | $324 | $548 |
| 1896 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $122 | $223 | $392 | $1,293.00 |
| 1896 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $197 | $415 | $1,398.00 | $2,850.00 |
| 1897 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $3.80 | $6.10 | $8.70 | $20 | $29.10 | $57 | $117 | $146 | $208 | $391 |
| 1897 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $132 | $226 | $407 | $1,083.00 |
| 1897 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80 | $213 | $429 | $940 | $3,320.00 |
| 1898 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $12.80 | $16.10 | $19.20 | $20 | $40 | $55 | $99 | $143 | $245 | $459 |
| 1898 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85 | $132 | $211 | $394 | $705 |
| 1898 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85 | $204 | $369 | $900 | $2,118.00 |
| 1899 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.30 | $6.10 | $10.70 | $16.80 | $40 | $47 | $94 | $133 | $202 | $409 |
| 1899 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $122 | $170 | $312 | $560 |
| 1899 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $233 | $416 | $741 | $1,333.00 |
| 1900 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3.10 | $4.70 | $9.80 | $24.90 | $54 | $89 | $118 | $202 | $559 |
| 1900 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $97 | $177 | $312 | $587 |
| 1900 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80 | $199 | $365 | $700 | $1,565.00 |
| 1901 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.80 | $4.10 | $6.70 | $16.30 | $26.90 | $60 | $89 | $123 | $177 | $457 |
| 1901 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $65 | $115 | $165 | $274 | $564 |
| 1901 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $187 | $326 | $653 | $1,330.00 |
| 1902 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3.10 | $4.70 | $13.30 | $25.90 | $45 | $79 | $103 | $160 | $482 |
| 1902 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $55 | $102 | $165 | $287 | $564 |
| 1902 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $199 | $353 | $653 | $1,813.00 |
| 1903 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3.10 | $4.70 | $13.30 | $26.90 | $47 | $79 | $115 | $152 | $457 |
| 1903 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $102 | $160 | $254 | $862 |
| 1903 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80 | $182 | $356 | $747 | $1,525.00 |
| 1904 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3.10 | $4.70 | $9.80 | $25.90 | $43 | $81 | $115 | $165 | $363 |
| 1904 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $55 | $102 | $177 | $274 | $509 |
| 1904 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $199 | $339 | $743 | $1,666.00 |
| 1905 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3.10 | $4.70 | $11.30 | $27.90 | $45 | $84 | $123 | $177 | $432 |
| 1905 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $55 | $115 | $177 | $249 | $634 |
| 1905 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $187 | $351 | $642 | $2,166.00 |
| 1906 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $3.30 | $4.60 | $6.70 | $13.30 | $25.90 | $41 | $89 | $118 | $165 | $682 |
| 1906 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $50 | $110 | $165 | $274 | $834 |
| 1906 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $182 | $339 | $717 | $1,735.00 |
| 1907 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.80 | $4.10 | $5.70 | $12.30 | $26.90 | $46 | $79 | $115 | $207 | $363 |
| 1907 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $55 | $97 | $165 | $262 | $484 |
| 1907 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $187 | $326 | $653 | $1,840.00 |
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3.10 | $4.70 | $12.30 | $25.90 | $47 | $89 | $123 | $207 | $432 |
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $102 | $170 | $267 | $545 |
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80 | $182 | $369 | $692 | $1,770.00 |
| 1908 | S | -- | BN | $84 | $120 | $124 | $170 | $224 | $313 | $483 | $767 | $1,323.00 | $1,375.00 |
| 1908 | S | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $374 | $672 | $918 | $1,809.00 | $2,130.00 |
| 1908 | S | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $425 | $934 | $1,483.00 | $2,470.00 | $4,700.00 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $5.30 | $7.90 | $11 | $23.30 | $32 | $52 | $99 | $120 | $185 | $382 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $110 | $177 | $299 | $497 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85 | $212 | $364 | $653 | $1,455.00 |
| 1909 | S | -- | BN | $355 | $411 | $569 | $595 | $780 | $1,209.00 | $1,565.00 | $2,033.00 | $2,610.00 | $5,750.00 |
| 1909 | S | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,450.00 | $1,775.00 | $2,343.00 | $3,540.00 | $5,725.00 |
| 1909 | S | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,500.00 | $1,990.00 | $3,005.00 | $5,900.00 | $17,025.00 |
| 18887/ | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2,030.00 | $3,670.00 | $5,310.00 | $9,688.00 | $13,500.00 | $31,350.00 | $58,400.00 | $55,000.00 | -- | -- |
History of the Indian Head Penny
The Indian Head Penny, minted from 1859 to 1909, is one of the most widely collected U.S. coins. The Indian Head Penny was introduced as a replacement for the Flying Eagle Cent, which had production issues due to its high-relief design. The Indian Head Penny was struck in 88% copper and 12% nickel from 1859 until early/mid-1864, after which the composition changed to bronze (95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc) for the remainder of the series (mid-1864 to 1909).
The Indian Head Penny, designed by James B. Longacre from the U.S. Mint, features a left-facing Liberty wearing a Native American headdress with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim on the obverse.
The reverse has two different designs. In 1859 mintages, the reverse has a simple laurel wreath surrounding “ONE CENT.” From 1860-1909, a redesigned oak wreath with a shield above it, symbolizing national unity, appears on the reverse.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1859 Copper-Nickel, Laurel Wreath: The 1859 issue introduced the very first Indian Head cent composed of a copper-nickel alloy. Its reverse displayed the inscription “ONE CENT” framed by a laurel wreath. Approximately 36,400,000 coins were minted for this inaugural release.
- 1860 Copper-Nickel, Oak Wreath with Shield: In 1860, the design was updated to feature an oak wreath, selected for its national symbolism, along with a small shield at the top. The change reflected the country’s growing sectional tensions between North and South. About 20 million pieces were produced for this design.
- 1860 Copper-Nickel, Pointed Bust: This particular variety shows a sharper point at the base of the bust truncation, unlike the standard rounded version. The exact number of surviving examples of either the pointed or rounded bust types is unknown.
View key dates and varieties here.
Types of Collections
- Complete Date Set: This collection features every Indian Head penny issued from 1859 to 1909. Collectors aim to obtain each year’s coin, often focusing on key dates and mintmarks, creating a complete historical record of the series.
- Key Date and Rare Varieties Set: This set emphasizes rare and highly sought-after coins, such as the 1885 Indian Head Penny, which is notably scarce, as well as other key dates like 1877 and 1878.
- Mintmark Collection: This collection focuses on Indian Head pennies from different mints, identifiable by mintmarks such as “S” (San Francisco). It showcases the variety of production locations and the subtle differences in design.
- Condition and Grade Collection: Collectors gather Indian Head cents based on their condition or grade, such as circulated, uncirculated, mint state, or proof. High-grade coins like MS66 or above are particularly prized for their eye appeal and rarity in top condition.
- Historical or Cultural Collection: This unique collection emphasizes coins that reflect Native American themes or depict Liberty wearing a Native American headdress. It can include coins with specific design features or historical significance tied to Native American culture and history. This collection can also preserve coins that tell a story of American history, including coins from the California Gold Rush era, and coins with notable design or mintage anomalies. It appeals to those interested in the broader historical context of the series.
- Varieties and Die Breaks Collection: Focuses on specific varieties, overdates, or die breaks of Indian Head pennies. Collectors seek out coins with notable minting errors or design modifications, which are often of greater interest to collectors due to their rarity.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
Indian Head Pennies are popular with a wide range of collectors, and many common dates in lower grades remain modestly priced. New collectors can start with these common-date coins, purchasing sound, problem-free pieces from reputable dealers, estate sales, or coin shows. Use them to learn how copper tones and wears over time and to practice spotting clear dates, readable legends, and basic feather and wreath details. Store your coins in archival-quality, non-PVC holders in a stable, low-humidity environment to help slow further oxidation.
Advanced Collecting
For advanced collectors, Indian Head Pennies offer numerous challenges and specialties. Assembling a complete date-and-mintmark set is often a long-term project; key dates such as 1877, 1908-S, and 1909-S carry significantly higher prices than common issues. Early copper-nickel pieces from 1859 to 1864 are also considerably harder to locate in high grades. Success at this level requires patience and close attention to sharp feather, shield, and wreath details, as well as the originality of the coin’s surfaces. High-grade and key-date examples are commonly kept in certified slabs and stored in temperature- and humidity-controlled environments to help preserve their condition.
Investment Potential
The Indian Head Cent value continues to hold long-term interest for collectors and investors, particularly for high-grade early issues, key dates, and rare varieties. Coins such as 1859, 1864-L, 1877, and 1909-S continue to appreciate in value. Additionally, proof issues and Full Red (RD) specimens remain sought after among advanced collectors. (95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc)