Indian Head Penny Value
1859-1909 · 1¢ · 88% copper 12% nickel (1859-1864), 95% copper 5% tin+zinc (1864-1909)
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $2.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $8.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $25.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $120.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $360.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $1,800 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1877 | Lowest regular-issue mintage at just 852,500 struck | $800–$5,000 |
| 1909-S | Final year San Francisco issue, only 309,000 minted | $450–$1,200 |
| 1872 | Low mintage of 4.04 million, scarce in higher grades | $200–$1,500 |
| 1869 | Post-Civil War scarcity with just 6.42 million struck | $100–$1,000 |
| 1864-L | First bronze issue with designer initial L on ribbon | $60–$600 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- James B. Longacre
- Years
- 1859-1909
- Denomination
- 1¢
- Composition
- 88% copper 12% nickel (1859-1864), 95% copper 5% tin+zinc (1864-1909)
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Weight
- 3.11 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Indian Head Penny: History & Background
The Indian Head Penny was designed by James B. Longacre and features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, not an actual Native American as commonly believed. First struck in 1859 with a laurel wreath reverse, the design was updated in 1860 to an oak wreath with a shield. The composition changed in 1864 from copper-nickel to bronze, reducing production costs during the Civil War. Over 1.8 billion were minted across the series, and key dates from the San Francisco mint command significant premiums among collectors.
How to Grade a Indian Head Penny
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →