The High Value of an Indian Penny
The value of an Indian Penny ranges from $1 to $1.50 for common dates in worn condition.
However... here are three ways to find a higher value.
First, if your coin was minted in the early years 1859 through 1878 most are worth $8 to $15 or more.
Second, Indian pennies have a few dates that are very valuable. For example, every Indian Head Penny collector needs an 1877 to complete their set and the price begins at $600.
Third, the condition of your coin is very important in determining value. Indian Pennies should be examined closely and a "Grade" assigned. Necessary to discover an accurate value. See below for more help on grading your coins.
The Uncirculated 1909 Indian Penny pictured is an example of a coin, although not scarce or rare but because of its above average condition, is worth well over $33.
The Value of an Indian Penny and What Dealers Pay
The following charts show there is a wide range of coin values of the Indian Head Penny. If you determine any of your coins are valued in the hundreds of dollars, absolutely have them graded by either NGC or the PCGS grading service.
Value of an Indian Penny | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good - G | Fine - F | Extremely Fine XF |
Uncirculated |
| 1859 | $11 | $20 | $81 | $221 |
| 1860 | $9 | $20 | $60 | $180 |
| 1861 | $20 | $39 | $85 | $165 |
| 1862 | $10 | $11 | $32 | $83 |
| 1863 | $8 | $10 | $30 | $80 |
| 1864 CN | $17 | $30 | $106 | $174 |
| 1864 BR | $11 | $21 | $50 | $99 |
| 1864 L | $43 | $120 | $218 | $361 |
| 1865 | $9 | $18 | $35 | $99 |
| 1866 | $42 | $73 | $163 | $245 |
| 1867 | $43 | $90 | $163 | $238 |
| 1868 | $32 | $67 | $152 | $255 |
| 1869 | $72 | $173 | $338 | $488 |
| 1870 | $51 | $153 | $333 | $448 |
| 1871 | $73 | $230 | $357 | $463 |
| 1872 | $89 | $306 | $448 | $654 |
| 1873 | $17 | $56 | $137 | $198 |
| 1874 | $13 | $42 | $92 | $163 |
| 1875 | $13 | $50 | $96 | $161 |
| 1876 | $24 | $64 | $177 | $241 |
| 1877 | $608 | $1,119 | $2,288 | $3,350 |
| 1878 | $23 | $64 | $198 | $294 |
| 1879 | $6 | $15 | $64 | $100 |
| 1880 | $4 | $6 | $23 | $59 |
| 1881 | $3 | $6 | $20 | $53 |
| 1882 | $3 | $5 | $20 | $50 |
| 1883 | $3 | $5 | $16 | $45 |
| 1884 | $4 | $7 | $24 | $56 |
| 1885 | $7 | $10 | $53 | $103 |
| 1886 | $4 | $20 | $120 | $163 |
| 1887 | $2 | $5 | $17 | $50 |
| 1888 | $2 | $5 | $19 | $73 |
| 1889 | $2 | $4 | $12 | $40 |
| 1890 | $2 | $3 | $11 | $38 |
| 1891 | $2 | $3 | $11 | $40 |
| 1892 | $2 | $4 | $14 | $44 |
| 1893 | $1 | $3 | $11 | $38 |
| 1894 | $3 | $11 | $41 | $74 |
| 1895 | $1 | $3 | $10 | $34 |
| 1896 | $1 | $3 | $11 | $35 |
| 1897 | $1 | $2 | $9 | $32 |
| 1898 | $1 | $2 | $9 | $28 |
| 1899 | $1 | $2 | $9 | $26 |
| 1900 | $1 | $2 | $9 | $27 |
| 1901 | $1 | $2 | $9 | $27 |
| 1902 | $1 | $2 | $8 | $25 |
| 1903 | $1 | $2 | $8 | $28 |
| 1904 | $1 | $2 | $8 | $26 |
| 1905 | $1 | $2 | $7 | $26 |
| 1906 | $1 | $2 | $7 | $26 |
| 1907 | $1 | $2 | $7 | $26 |
| 1908 | $1 | $2 | $7 | $28 |
| 1908-S | $68 | $72 | $146 | $219 |
| 1909 | $9 | $13 | $17 | $33 |
| 1909-S | $392 | $465 | $606 | $763 |
| Value of an Indian Penny Updated 2013 | ||||
The above are wholesale coin values. Computed from dealer's price lists with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely the value you would expect to receive when selling. Variations in value do occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs. For more background information, see how value listings in the Coin Value Guide are determined.
High Grade Equals High Value
Compare the condition of your coins to the ones pictured below and find the closest match. Focus your attention on the band of the headdress. If all the letters to "Liberty" are present, the coin is in Fine condition. Less than all the letters and the grade drops to Very Good, no letters visible and your coin is in Good or worse condition.
Use a magnifying glass and look closely at your coins, determining a higher grade enhances the value of an Indian penny.
It is possible to find one in "extremely fine" or even in "uncirculated" condition. Realize what seems like a small difference in appearance often leads to a large difference in the value of an Indian penny. Also, experience and skill is required to accurately grade and determine the value of an Indian Penny in uncirculated condition.
Grading a coin is not an exact science. It is your opinion, dealers and collectors have their own opinions... and they can all differ slightly. There is hope...
Collectors and dealers consider PCGS and NGC as leaders in coin grading services. They both authenticate and grade your coin. The small fee paid provides assurance you understand and receive the full value of your coin.
Investigate dealer's listings, look for those offering Indian Head Cents for sale, for the higher priced coins, their listings and prices usually include a notation of the NGC or PCGS assigned grade. Additionally... these coin dealers are potential buyers of your coins.
Printable Coin Values Worksheet
Print the handy Coin Values Worksheet to list your coins and record their values. Should you decide to sell... use the worksheet as an invoice and packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.
Finding the Rare Indian Head Penny
In 1908 and 1909, the mint in San Francisco produced Indian Pennies and put an "S" mintmark on the reverse under the wreath. Both dates are rare and valuable, more so the 1909-S with a value of $392 in Good condition.
The next big standout date is the 1877. Every collector of Indian Pennies would like the 1877 in their collection and knows its value. Another desirable coin, the 1869/9 requires a magnifying glass to detect the two nines, one slightly over lapping the other.
To quickly understand some of the differences that make a coin valuable, visit rare coin dealer sites. Look for and compare coins similar to yours. And...
Perhaps consider your coins as the beginnings of a collection. One successful approach is to sell your coins and use the proceeds to purchase one nice rare coin... the one you where hoping to find in the box. Pass the thrill of a rare and valuable coin on to your children.
Take a minute and visit Joel Rettew's web site FastCoin.com. They are serious buyers of US coins. Additionally... they have many fascinating rare coins for sale.
The Value of an Indian Penny is Always Changing
The value of an Indian Penny has been steadily increasing over the years. It is a very popular series with collectors. They are always looking for a better condition coin or need a rare date to complete the series.
Keep in touch with values, return here whenever curious. Bring your box here and discover all your coin values.
Penny Values | Rare Pennies Have Outstanding Values
Coin values listed. From the earliest Half and Large cents, to Indian head pennies to the popular Wheat pennies of 1909 to 1958. Match you coins to the grading images and value charts. Some of these old pennies have amazing values.
Coin Values Discovery... find the Value of an Indian Penny and...
All old US coin values. The home page is an excellent index, quickly leading to the major coin series. From Cents to Gold.
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