The Indian Head Penny also sometimes referred to as the Indian Head Cent by collectors is a copper coin that preceded the Wheat Penny and Lincoln Penny. Years minted 1859-1909
2 days ago Indian Head Penny Values. The United States Mint was founded in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1792 and operated solely there for some time. However, the expansive nature of the early United States made new facilities necessary for efficient storage and shipping.
- 1868 Indian Head Cent → better 1869 Indian Head Cent → better 1870 Indian Head Cent → better 1871 Indian Head Cent → better 1872 Indian Head Cent → better 1873 Indian Head Cent → better 1877 Indian Head Cent → rare 1878 Indian Head Cent → better 1908-S Indian Head Cent → rare 1909-S Indian Head Cent → rare Other dates are.
- Coin Value Price Chart for Indian Head Cent 1C. Lookup Coin values for Good, Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, Brilliant Uncirculated & Proof conditions and MS grade. How much Indian Head Cent are worth. Coins for sale for Indian Head Cent type items.
The front (obverse) of the coin contains the head of Lady Liberty wearing a chieftains headdress sometimes referred to as a war bonnet.
The rear (reverse) cointains a wreath and the words one cent as well as a shield on the top middle. The original 1959 release did not include the shield, but all other years do.
The face value of this coin is 1 cent. The chemical composition is 88% copper and 12% nickel from the years 1859-1864. The composition changes in 1965 95% copper, 5% tin (sometimes zinc was used in place of copper).
The coins are popular with those Native American heritage, and while just 2 million individuals are enrolled as members of a tribe, most people in the US today claim to be at least part Native American.
I remember fondly collecting the Indian Head Pennies and the Buffalo Nickels with my Grandmother who was 50% Cherokee. So on a personal note I love these coins, if for nothing else than their sentimental value.
Indian Head Penny Value By Year
As with most coins of this age the Indian Head Cent is worth many times more than it's face value indicates. Prices are well above the $10 mark for all of these coins (even in less than mint state) up until about 1879 at which time the minimum is still $1 to $3 on average. Point being..if you find one don't spend it at face value.
* Notice as of December 2006 it is illegal to melt down US Minted Pennies and Nickels, and there is a $10,000 fine to help enforce the law. It is legal however to melt down silver dollars, half dollars, dimes, quarters for their content.