Indian Head Penny Values
How Much Indian Head Pennies are Worth: Indian Head Penny
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 | $27.90 | $90 | $160 | $207 | $394 | $826 | $1,483 | $2,739 | $4,880 |
| 1860 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $18.20 | $21.80 | $80 | $100 | $107 | $211 | $444 | $629 | $1,323 | $2,645 |
| 1860 | (None) Phil | Pointed Bust | -- | $60 | $39 | $61 | $102 | $176 | $366 | $628 | $1,129 | $2,765 | $5,400 |
| 1861 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $70 | $43 | $100 | $170 | $200 | $400 | $469 | $729 | $1,349 | $3,388 |
| 1862 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $18.70 | $40 | $33 | $65 | $84 | $155 | $367 | $619 | $1,054 | $2,173 |
| 1863 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $15.20 | $18.60 | $40 | $70 | $130 | $200 | $361 | $543 | $892 | $2,773 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | L on Ribbon | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $550 | $755 | $1,195 | $1,605 | $6,389 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | L on Ribbon | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $500 | $1,068 | $2,174 | $4,260 | $26,675 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | L on Ribbon | BN | $82 | $200 | $225 | $245 | $308 | $412 | $572 | $858 | $1,248 | $3,710 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $200 | $392 | $587 | $1,184 | $3,625 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Bronze | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $175 | $430 | $395 | $719 | $935 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $22.40 | $29.10 | $47 | $73 | $94 | $137 | $198 | $249 | $400 | $533 |
| 1864 | (None) Phil | Large Letters | -- | $28.20 | $37 | $46 | $92 | $160 | $230 | $451 | $658 | $1,221 | $2,586 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | BN | $19.30 | $31 | $38 | $67 | $83 | $126 | $249 | $362 | $585 | $1,658 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $180 | $318 | $491 | $858 | $2,330 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | BN | $20.30 | $31 | $44 | $67 | $110 | $173 | $240 | $363 | $613 | $825 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250 | $359 | $547 | $935 | $2,380 |
| 1865 | (None) Phil | Plain 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $275 | $509 | $1,018 | $2,163 | $26,000 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $425 | $600 | $1,062 | $1,609 | $3,695 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $450 | $918 | $1,880 | $3,890 | $14,250 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | Fancy 5 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $210 | $483 | $663 | $2,530 | $7,050 |
| 1866 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $67 | $80 | $130 | $186 | $243 | $365 | $531 | $613 | $987 | $1,540 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $71 | $130 | $113 | $200 | $315 | $326 | $455 | $572 | $1,065 | $1,703 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250 | $578 | $1,145 | $1,262 | $2,490 |
| 1867 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $300 | $1,088 | $1,425 | $4,675 | $21,400 |
| 1867/67 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $182 | $229 | $327 | $703 | $863 | $1,438 | $2,170 | $3,950 | $5,010 | $4,400 |
| 1867/67 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $10,000 | $17,650 | $26,400 | -- |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $500 | $550 | $783 | $1,198 | $1,560 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $525 | $925 | $1,651 | $3,315 | $36,300 |
| 1868 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $67 | $88 | $160 | $175 | $243 | $378 | $450 | $559 | $743 | $1,348 |
| 1868/67 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,650 | $2,770 | $5,025 | $6,235 | $6,160 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $120 | $217 | $400 | $400 | $537 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,140 | $1,610 | $2,425 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $950 | $1,195 | $1,583 | $2,573 | $3,800 |
| 1869 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000 | $1,453 | $1,798 | $3,280 | $22,600 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $140 | $190 | $210 | $470 | $500 | $656 | $742 | $1,015 | $1,610 | $2,800 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $775 | $1,013 | $1,353 | $2,105 | $5,029 |
| 1870 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $700 | $1,073 | $1,993 | $3,650 | $8,960 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $120 | $195 | $257 | $457 | $560 | $690 | $858 | $1,088 | $1,870 | $3,813 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $800 | $979 | $1,454 | $2,315 | $4,150 |
| 1871 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $800 | $2,590 | $3,355 | $7,805 | $23,500 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,005 | $4,715 | $12,675 | $54,450 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $900 | $1,515 | $2,005 | $2,655 | $4,163 |
| 1872 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $146 | $300 | $324 | $470 | $574 | $770 | $1,020 | $1,590 | $2,350 | $3,825 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Closed 3 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,405 | $1,828 | $6,725 | $26,000 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Doubled Liberty | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $8,000 | $9,130 | $19,950 | $60,300 | -- |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Doubled Liberty | BN | $402 | $638 | $1,198 | $2,960 | $3,713 | $5,965 | $8,410 | $12,400 | $16,500 | -- |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Open 3 | BN | $45 | $68 | $89 | $220 | $212 | $313 | $436 | $483 | $1,070 | $1,895 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Closed 3 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $475 | $755 | $1,234 | $1,993 | $3,320 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Open 3 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $375 | $599 | $963 | $1,403 | $2,910 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Closed 3 | BN | $55 | $78 | $101 | $183 | $271 | $409 | $509 | $834 | $1,223 | $1,760 |
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Open 3 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $890 | $1,565 | $4,150 | $7,195 |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $34 | $80 | $61 | $130 | $230 | $199 | $280 | $352 | $599 | $990 |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $250 | $352 | $548 | $813 | $1,750 |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $275 | $527 | $859 | $2,318 | $9,250 |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $35 | $63 | $69 | $130 | $240 | $240 | $292 | $417 | $705 | $1,350 |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $325 | $424 | $987 | $3,500 | $11,500 |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $300 | $408 | $688 | $1,040 | $1,880 |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $80 | $75 | $160 | $280 | $248 | $301 | $372 | $448 | $705 | $990 |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $350 | $579 | $743 | $1,232 | $2,080 |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $773 | $1,330 | $2,835 | $7,665 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $959 | $1,245 | $1,895 | $2,425 | $2,710 | $4,340 | $6,125 | $7,505 | $11,140 | $18,800 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $4,700 | $7,440 | $10,625 | $15,350 | $29,600 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,000 | $9,275 | $13,800 | $36,400 | $127,750 |
| 1878 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $425 | $668 | $1,298 | $2,035 | $7,250 |
| 1878 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $48 | $83 | $129 | $260 | $264 | $329 | $390 | $447 | $638 | $1,425 |
| 1878 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $385 | $494 | $702 | $963 | $2,103 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $359 | $613 | $2,345 | $7,675 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $14.40 | $23.30 | $40 | $65 | $78 | $109 | $202 | $255 | $332 | $1,123 |
| 1879 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $133 | $237 | $338 | $560 | $1,438 |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $7.70 | $15 | $17.70 | $50 | $50 | $73 | $122 | $191 | $331 | $532 |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $215 | $325 | $547 | $3,263 |
| 1880 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $275 | $650 | $1,835 | $5,565 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.70 | $9.30 | $20 | $26 | $38 | $100 | $114 | $204 | $323 | $573 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $177 | $274 | $559 | $1,115 |
| 1881 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $338 | $559 | $863 | $4,165 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $294 | $541 | $1,259 | $4,680 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $167 | $325 | $508 | $990 |
| 1882 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $3.20 | $5.80 | $30 | $26 | $38 | $74 | $123 | $189 | $287 | $469 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $7.70 | $10.80 | $15.90 | $40 | $38 | $66 | $116 | $169 | $318 | $532 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $185 | $291 | $1,159 | $1,063 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $288 | $484 | $1,012 | $3,180 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $6.80 | $7.80 | $14.20 | $50 | $44 | $77 | $160 | $209 | $332 | $1,430 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90 | $184 | $310 | $548 | $1,578 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $125 | $369 | $693 | $1,460 | $4,230 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $110 | $418 | $883 | $1,305 | $4,965 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $11.50 | $15.10 | $27.80 | $61 | $120 | $125 | $190 | $247 | $455 | $972 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $110 | $289 | $377 | $938 | $1,360 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 1 | BN | $25 | $26.30 | $90 | $152 | $175 | $224 | $289 | $390 | $675 | $1,550 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 1 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $150 | $359 | $783 | $1,540 | $5,575 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 1 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $175 | $760 | $1,640 | $3,705 | $11,530 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 2 | BN | $29.70 | $46 | $150 | $200 | $260 | $312 | $508 | $560 | $1,330 | $2,200 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 2 | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $400 | $907 | $1,328 | $1,690 | $8,325 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | Variety 2 | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $500 | $2,220 | $4,730 | $9,575 | $19,100 |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90 | $350 | $614 | $1,568 | $4,473 |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $195 | $301 | $885 | $1,980 |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.90 | $4.40 | $10.10 | $29.40 | $39 | $56 | $135 | $179 | $317 | $788 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $10.70 | $20 | $17.60 | $50 | $41 | $95 | $182 | $253 | $531 | $1,100 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $120 | $231 | $446 | $1,013 | $1,895 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $350 | $702 | $1,560 | $8,275 |
| 1888/7 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $77,125 | $89,000 | -- | -- |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $3.10 | $4.40 | $20 | $25 | $70 | $90 | $99 | $171 | $343 | $825 |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $164 | $327 | $520 | $1,090 |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $268 | $605 | $1,383 | $7,630 |
| 1890 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $85 | $177 | $282 | $780 | $1,895 |
| 1890 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $199 | $493 | $1,175 | $5,175 |
| 1890 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.60 | $3.90 | $5.30 | $14.40 | $29 | $64 | $94 | $151 | $327 | $913 |
| 1891 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.10 | $5.40 | $9.30 | $15 | $33 | $59 | $98 | $164 | $231 | $763 |
| 1891 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $169 | $287 | $808 | $1,280 |
| 1891 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $270 | $575 | $1,131 | $4,040 |
| 1892 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.20 | $5.70 | $9.20 | $24.50 | $35 | $60 | $111 | $178 | $319 | $660 |
| 1892 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $164 | $300 | $613 | $1,165 |
| 1892 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $292 | $563 | $1,319 | $2,990 |
| 1893 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.10 | $4.40 | $5.90 | $17.40 | $50 | $120 | $101 | $163 | $287 | $998 |
| 1893 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80 | $143 | $279 | $533 | $1,560 |
| 1894 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $273 | $544 | $1,328 | $2,268 |
| 1894 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $100 | $170 | $379 | $758 | $1,168 |
| 1894 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $7.30 | $14.60 | $45 | $46 | $64 | $99 | $154 | $227 | $318 | $1,010 |
| 1895 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.80 | $5 | $7.40 | $20.30 | $36 | $100 | $110 | $142 | $195 | $358 |
| 1895 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90 | $156 | $220 | $479 | $650 |
| 1895 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $90 | $262 | $459 | $965 | $1,945 |
| 1896 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3 | $6.40 | $14.80 | $31 | $53 | $90 | $131 | $269 | $478 |
| 1896 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $124 | $243 | $392 | $1,218 |
| 1896 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $170 | $477 | $1,398 | $2,938 |
| 1897 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.30 | $3.50 | $4.90 | $12.80 | $28.50 | $56 | $102 | $126 | $192 | $330 |
| 1897 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $130 | $226 | $382 | $1,083 |
| 1897 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $80 | $197 | $410 | $905 | $3,320 |
| 1898 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $170 | $313 | $850 | $2,118 |
| 1898 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $11.80 | $15 | $18.90 | $27.80 | $40 | $52 | $92 | $136 | $227 | $405 |
| 1898 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $50 | $114 | $198 | $362 | $598 |
| 1899 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $4.30 | $6 | $20 | $15.30 | $40 | $46 | $85 | $116 | $177 | $393 |
| 1899 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $124 | $177 | $324 | $560 |
| 1899 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $202 | $356 | $769 | $1,203 |
| 1900 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3 | $4.40 | $9.30 | $24.40 | $51 | $80 | $116 | $164 | $480 |
| 1900 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $107 | $190 | $287 | $512 |
| 1900 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $177 | $332 | $672 | $1,627 |
| 1901 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $99 | $165 | $274 | $564 |
| 1901 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $160 | $273 | $625 | $1,253 |
| 1901 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.80 | $4 | $5.40 | $13.80 | $25 | $41 | $85 | $121 | $164 | $465 |
| 1902 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3 | $4.40 | $10 | $40 | $43 | $75 | $101 | $154 | $440 |
| 1902 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $55 | $107 | $165 | $266 | $564 |
| 1902 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $165 | $320 | $625 | $1,661 |
| 1903 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3 | $4.40 | $11.80 | $26.40 | $46 | $70 | $108 | $147 | $440 |
| 1903 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $50 | $104 | $165 | $274 | $862 |
| 1903 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $160 | $160 | $318 | $689 | $1,428 |
| 1904 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3 | $4.40 | $9.30 | $25.40 | $41 | $80 | $111 | $159 | $330 |
| 1904 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $55 | $89 | $170 | $262 | $509 |
| 1904 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $65 | $165 | $293 | $739 | $1,581 |
| 1905 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $170 | $157 | $318 | $739 | $1,381 |
| 1905 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3 | $7 | $10 | $26.40 | $43 | $80 | $103 | $172 | $390 |
| 1905 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $55 | $112 | $170 | $249 | $634 |
| 1906 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $3.30 | $4.50 | $6.40 | $10 | $15 | $38 | $85 | $109 | $154 | $390 |
| 1906 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $50 | $104 | $165 | $274 | $459 |
| 1906 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $157 | $365 | $677 | $1,763 |
| 1907 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2.80 | $4 | $5.40 | $10.80 | $26.40 | $44 | $75 | $108 | $192 | $330 |
| 1907 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $55 | $94 | $165 | $262 | $484 |
| 1907 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $165 | $306 | $592 | $1,715 |
| 1908 | S | -- | BN | $120 | $140 | $150 | $215 | $229 | $325 | $483 | $690 | $1,223 | $1,430 |
| 1908 | S | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $150 | $934 | $1,458 | $2,415 | $4,405 |
| 1908 | S | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $349 | $719 | $1,379 | $1,730 | $2,313 |
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $70 | $157 | $450 | $799 | $1,863 |
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $94 | $165 | $291 | $595 |
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $1.80 | $3 | $4.40 | $11.80 | $25.40 | $46 | $75 | $108 | $209 | $403 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $5.30 | $7.90 | $16 | $30 | $31 | $48 | $92 | $113 | $179 | $353 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $60 | $114 | $220 | $299 | $497 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $75 | $170 | $331 | $625 | $1,378 |
| 1909 | S | -- | BN | $350 | $470 | $500 | $669 | $799 | $1,209 | $1,595 | $1,825 | $2,500 | $7,500 |
| 1909 | S | -- | RB | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,250 | $1,720 | $2,315 | $3,320 | $5,310 |
| 1909 | S | -- | RD | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $1,000 | $1,725 | $3,749 | $5,295 | $12,950 |
| 18887/ | (None) Phil | -- | BN | $2,030 | $3,863 | $5,338 | $7,575 | $15,150 | $37,400 | $69,125 | $77,000 | -- | -- |
Overview
The Indian Head Penny, minted from 1859 to 1909, is among the most beloved and widely collected U.S. coins. Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, while the reverse displays a simple wreath (1859) or a wreath with a shield (1860-1909). Collectors value Indian Head Pennies for their historical significance, unique design, and key date rarities, making them a staple in 19th-century numismatics.
History of the Indian Head Penny
The Indian Head Penny was introduced in 1859 as a replacement for the Flying Eagle Cent, which had production issues due to its high-relief design. The new penny, designed by James B. Longacre, was struck in 88% copper and 12% nickel (1859-1864) before transitioning to a 95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc composition (1864-1909).
Significant milestones in the series include:
- 1859 One-Year Reverse Design—The reverse of the first year of issue featured a simple laurel wreath without a shield.
- 1860-1909 Wreath & Shield Reverse—The redesigned reverse introduced a shield above the oak wreath, symbolizing national unity.
- 1864 Composition Change – The metal content shifted from a copper-nickel alloy to a softer bronze composition to improve minting efficiency.
- 1909 Final Year – The last year of the Indian Head Penny before transitioning to the Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Collecting Indian Head Penny Coins
Collectors seek Indian Head Pennies for their historic appeal, composition changes, and key rarities. While many circulated extensively, high-grade examples with full details and original luster are especially desirable.
Notable key dates and varieties include:
- 1859 – The only year with the laurel wreath reverse, making it a one-year type coin.
- 1864-L – The L on ribbon variety is scarce, as it was one of the first Indian Head Pennies to feature Longacre’s initial.
- 1873 Doubled Liberty – A rare variety where the word LIBERTY is doubled on the obverse.
- 1877 – The rarest regular-issue Indian Head Penny, with a mintage of only 852,500.
- 1908-S & 1909-S – The only Indian Head Pennies struck at the San Francisco Mint, making them highly collectible.
Additionally, collectors look for Full Red (RD) examples, as uncirculated pennies with original mint luster are significantly more valuable.
Tips for Collectors
- Where to Find Them: Indian Head Pennies can be found at coin shows, auctions, estate sales, and reputable dealers.
- Key Details to Watch For: Look for sharp feather details, strong shield and wreath elements, and minimal surface wear.
- Proper Storage: Store high-grade Indian Head Pennies in airtight holders or certified slabs to prevent oxidation, as copper coins are highly susceptible to corrosion.
Most Valuable Coin
The 1877 Indian Head Penny is the rarest and most valuable regular-issue coin in the series, with a low mintage of only 852,500 coins. High-grade examples can sell for thousands of dollars. Additionally, the 1909-S Indian Head Penny is highly sought after due to its low mintage and final-year status.
Investment Potential
The Indian Head Penny remains a strong investment choice, 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 are in high demand among advanced collectors.
Key Dates and Varieties
Collectors and investors often seek the following key dates and varieties:
- 1859 – A one-year type coin with the laurel wreath reverse.
- 1864-L – Features Longacre’s “L” initial on the ribbon, scarce and valuable.
- 1873 Doubled Liberty – A rare doubled die variety.
- 1877 – The rarest business strike Indian Head Penny, with a low mintage.
- 1908-S – The first Indian Head Penny struck at the San Francisco Mint.
- 1909-S – The final-year issue and last Indian Head Penny, with a low mintage.
Notable Errors
- 1869/69 Overdate – A distinct 9 over 9 doubling in the date.
- 1873 Doubled Liberty – Features strong doubling in the word LIBERTY.
- Off-Center Strikes – Some Indian Head Pennies were struck misaligned, increasing their collectability.
- Clashed Dies – Some coins exhibit details from the reverse, which are faintly visible on the obverse due to die clashes.
Design Features
The Indian Head Penny, designed by James B. Longacre, features:
- Obverse: A left-facing Liberty wearing a Native American headdress with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the rim.
- Reverse:
- 1859: A simple laurel wreath surrounding “ONE CENT.”
- 1860-1909: A redesigned oak wreath with a shield above it, symbolizing national unity.
Key design modifications include:
- 1859 One-Year Reverse: The laurel wreath reverse was used only in the first year.
- 1860 Introduction of Shield: The addition of a shield to the reverse reflects the nation’s strength.
Conclusion
The Indian Head Penny is a historic and collectible U.S. coin, offering numismatists a mix of rare key dates, beautiful design, and strong investment potential. Whether for historical appreciation, set-building, or investment, this series remains a cornerstone of American numismatics. Understanding its rarities, design variations, and market trends helps collectors make informed decisions when acquiring Indian Head Pennies.
