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The High Value of an Indian Penny

The value of an Indian Penny ranges from 50 cents to $1.50 for common dates in worn condition.

Indian Head Penny

If no value is given on the chart below your coin falls into this range.

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 $10 to $20 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 $700.

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 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.



Indian Head Penny Value
1859-1909
 Condition of Coin
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Mint
State
1859 $10 $17 $75 $156
1860 $9 $17 $50 $138
1861 $14 $32 $77 $121
1862 $7 $9 $22 $59
1863 $5 $7 $20 $62
1864 CN $12 $26 $57 $122
1864 BN $7 $19 $50 $77
1864 L $44 $105 $203 $316
1865 $5 $13 $29 $68
1866 $34 $57 $148 $224
1867 $37 $69 $148 $204
1868 $28 $51 $138 $204
1869 $54 $168 $332 $459
1870 $42 $167 $296 $449
1871 $63 $206 $321 $449
1872 $74 $291 $464 $629
1873 $17 $45 $122 $194
1874 $12 $31 $81 $145
1875 $11 $37 $81 $153
1876 $24 $53 $173 $234
1877 $740 $1,233 $2,025 $2,633
1878 $24 $51 $168 $250
1879 $5 $13 $56 $71
1880 $3 $6 $20 $53
1881 $3 $5 $13 $41
1882 $3 $4 $14 $35
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Mint
State
1883 $3 $4 $14 $37
1884 $3 $5 $22 $58
1885 $3 $8 $47 $82
1886 $4 $14 $103 $144
1887 $3 -- $13 $38
1888 -- -- $16 $41
1889 -- -- $9 $30
1890 -- -- $8 $27
1891 -- -- $9 $27
1892 -- -- $13 $32
1893 -- -- $8 $31
1894 $3 $8 $33 $60
1895 -- -- $8 $31
1896 -- -- $11 $31
1897 -- -- $6 $29
1898 -- -- $6 $31
1899 -- -- $7 $27
1900 -- -- $9 $29
1901 -- -- $6 $21
1902 -- -- $7 $22
1903 -- -- $7 $22
1904 -- -- $7 $22
1905 -- -- $5 $21
1906 -- -- $5 $21
1907 -- -- $5 $21
1908 -- -- $5 $21
1908-S $46 $56 $123 $214
1909 $6 $9 $13 $31
1909-S $386 $464 $621 $668
Indian Head Penny Coin Values Updated 2008

The above are wholesale values. Computed from dealers price lists with various markup 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.

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 about uncirculated or even in mint state condition. Realize what may seem 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 mint state condition.

Indian Head Penny Grading Image

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

Coin Values Worksheet
Click Here
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.

The Rare "S" Mint Indian Head Penny

Indian Head Penny Mintmark Location

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 with a value of $350 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.

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.



Old Coin Value - CentsReturn to Coin Values for Cents from the value of an Indian Penny

Discover your old coin value. Half Cents, Large Cents, and Wheat pennies. Match your coin to the grading images and value charts to stay current with your old coin value.


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