Indian Head Pennies, minted between 1859 and 1909, are a favorite among collectors due to their historical significance and beautiful design. Some Indian Head Pennies are more than just collectible; they are incredibly valuable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five most expensive Indian Head Pennies, how to identify them, and what makes them worth a fortune.
5 Most Expensive Indian Head Penny
1. 1877 Indian Head Penny
The 1877 Indian Head Penny is the most sought-after coin in the series. This year had the lowest mintage, with only 852,500 coins produced, making it incredibly rare. Spotting an 1877 Indian Head Penny can be lucrative, as these coins can fetch thousands of dollars depending on their condition.
How to Spot It:
- Date: The key identifier is the 1877 date on the coin’s obverse (front side).
- Wear: Due to their age, most 1877 pennies will have some wear. Look for coins with clear date stamps and minimal wear to increase value.
- Condition: Uncirculated coins are extremely valuable, with prices reaching up to $150,000.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $1,000 – $3,000
- Fine Condition: $4,000 – $7,000
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $150,000
2. 1909-S Indian Head Penny
The 1909-S Indian Head Penny is another highly valuable coin, marking the final year of the Indian Head series. It was produced in limited quantities, with only 309,000 minted. The “S” mint mark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, makes this coin particularly valuable.
How to Spot It:
- Date and Mint Mark: Look for the 1909 date on the obverse and the “S” mint mark below the wreath on the reverse side.
- Details: Coins with well-preserved details, especially in the headdress and feathers, are more valuable.
- Condition: High-grade coins can be extremely valuable, especially in uncirculated condition.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $300 – $1,000
- Fine Condition: $1,500 – $3,000
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $7,000
3. 1864 Indian Head Penny with “L” on Ribbon
The 1864 Indian Head Penny is unique due to the presence of an “L” on the ribbon of the coin’s obverse, which stands for the designer, James Barton Longacre. This variation is rare and valuable, especially in high-grade conditions.
How to Spot It:
- Date: Look for the 1864 date on the obverse.
- L on Ribbon: The “L” is located on the ribbon behind the neck of Liberty on the obverse. It can be hard to spot, so a magnifying glass might be needed.
- Condition: The value increases significantly with the coin’s condition, particularly for those in fine or uncirculated states.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $100 – $300
- Fine Condition: $500 – $1,000
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $5,000
4. 1872 Indian Head Penny
The 1872 Indian Head Penny is another key date in the series, known for its rarity due to a lower mintage of just over 4 million coins. This year is highly sought after by collectors, making it one of the more valuable Indian Head Pennies.
How to Spot It:
- Date: Check for the 1872 date on the obverse side.
- Condition: As with other rare coins, the condition is crucial. Coins with minimal wear are worth significantly more.
- Mint Luster: Look for coins with original mint luster, as these are more valuable.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $300 – $800
- Fine Condition: $1,200 – $2,000
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $10,000
5. 1869/69 Indian Head Penny (Repunched Date)
The 1869/69 Indian Head Penny is famous for its repunched date error, where the date was struck twice, slightly off-center, leading to a doubling effect. This error is rare and increases the coin’s value significantly.
How to Spot It:
- Date: The repunched date will show a clear doubling of the 1869 date on the obverse.
- Details: Look closely at the date under magnification to spot the repunching. Coins with clear repunching and minimal wear are most valuable.
- Condition: Higher grades of this coin, particularly those with visible doubling, are extremely valuable.
Estimated Value:
- Good Condition: $200 – $600
- Fine Condition: $1,000 – $2,500
- Uncirculated Condition: Up to $12,000
Summary of the 5 Most Expensive Indian Head Pennies
| Coin Type | Year | Unique Feature | Estimated Value (Good-Fine-Uncirculated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1877 Indian Head Penny | 1877 | Lowest mintage of the series | $1,000 – $7,000 – Up to $150,000 |
| 1909-S Indian Head Penny | 1909 | Final year of series, “S” mint mark | $300 – $3,000 – Up to $7,000 |
| 1864 Indian Head Penny with “L” on Ribbon | 1864 | “L” on ribbon, designer’s initials | $100 – $1,000 – Up to $5,000 |
| 1872 Indian Head Penny | 1872 | Lower mintage, rare coin | $300 – $2,000 – Up to $10,000 |
| 1869/69 Indian Head Penny | 1869 | Repunched date error | $200 – $2,500 – Up to $12,000 |
Conclusion
Indian Head Pennies are a fascinating and potentially lucrative area of coin collecting. The five pennies listed in this guide are among the most expensive in the series, each with unique features that set them apart.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, keeping an eye out for these valuable coins could lead to a significant find. With proper care and attention to detail, these historical treasures can be a rewarding addition to any collection. Happy hunting!
Sources
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- Website: www.pcgs.com
2. NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
- Website: www.ngccoin.com
3. U.S. Mint
- Website: www.usmint.gov
4. Images from pinterest
FAQs
What makes an Indian Head Penny valuable?
Indian Head Pennies are valuable due to their rarity, unique features (such as mint marks or errors), and condition. Coins with lower mintages, errors, or in uncirculated condition tend to be worth more.
How can I identify a repunched date on an Indian Head Penny?
A repunched date appears as a slight doubling of the numbers in the coin’s date. Using a magnifying glass, you can spot this error, which significantly increases the coin’s value.
Where can I sell my valuable Indian Head Penny?
Valuable Indian Head Pennies can be sold through online auction sites like eBay, at coin shows, or through professional coin dealers. Having your coin graded by a reputable service can help ensure you get the best price.
What is the most valuable Indian Head Penny?
The 1877 Indian Head Penny is generally considered the most valuable due to its low mintage and high demand among collectors. Uncirculated coins can fetch up to $150,000.
How can I protect my valuable Indian Head Pennies?
To protect your Indian Head Pennies, store them in a cool, dry place in protective holders or cases. Avoid handling them with bare hands, as oils from your skin can cause damage over time.
