Indian Head Penny Value: Price Guide & Key Dates (1859-1909)
The Indian Head Penny, with its beautiful depiction of Liberty in a Native American headdress, is a classic American coin that predates the Lincoln cent. Found in old collections and attics, these coins are a true piece of 19th-century history. While many are common, some dates are exceptionally rare and valuable. This guide will show you how to determine the value of your Indian Head Penny.
How to Grade Your Indian Head Penny
Condition is paramount. The easiest way to get a rough grade is to look at the word "LIBERTY" on the Indian's headband.
- Good (G): The headband is worn smooth. No letters in "LIBERTY" are visible.
- Very Good (VG): At least one or two letters of "LIBERTY" are visible.
- Fine (F): All letters in "LIBERTY" are visible but may be weak.
- Extremely Fine (XF): All letters in "LIBERTY" are bold and clear.
Indian Head Penny Value Chart (Common Dates)
This chart shows values for common dates like 1902-1907. Remember, these are estimates and can vary.
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (No Liberty) | $1 - $3 |
| Fine (Full Liberty) | $5 - $15 |
| Uncirculated | $40+ |
The Most Valuable Indian Head Pennies (Key Dates)
These are the rare dates that all collectors are hunting for.
1. 1877
The undisputed "King" of the series. Struck during a severe economic recession, the mintage was extremely low, and very few were saved by the public.
- Rarity: The rarest date in the series issued for circulation.
- Estimated Value: $700 in Good condition to over $5,000 in Uncirculated condition.
2. 1909-S
The only Indian Head Penny produced at the San Francisco mint, and the final year of the series. Its low mintage of just 309,000 makes it a must-have key date.
- Rarity: The lowest mintage of the entire series.
- Estimated Value: $300 in Good condition to over $1,000 in Uncirculated condition.
3. 1908-S
The first year a penny was struck at the San Francisco mint. Its novelty led to many being saved, but it remains a scarce and desirable key date.
- Rarity: Second-lowest mintage of the series.
- Estimated Value: $75 in Good condition to over $300 in Uncirculated condition.
Other Semi-Key Dates to Look For:
- 1869-1872: All have low mintages and are worth a premium ($20+ in Good).
- 1859-1864 (Copper-Nickel): These earlier, thicker pennies are a different composition and carry a premium over later dates.
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