Millions of Indian head cents were manufactured during its 50-year existence, but some of these coins are highly valuable because of their unique dates, mint markings, and conditions. A rare cent is like a piece of history in the hands of collectors. The ten most valuable Indian Head pennies ever minted will be explored in this article, along with their rarity, stories, and the factors that led to their amazing values.
Top 10 Most Valuable Indian Head Pennies Coins Worth Money
1. 1909-S Indian Head Penny Regular Strike
- Year: 1909
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 67 RD
- Date of Sale: January 5, 2006
- Price: $97,750
When reviewing the most valuable Indian Head pennies, we rely on verified sales. However, coin prices fluctuate based on rarity, demand, and even historical milestones. Selling during an anniversary year can boost profits.
To understand the value of this coin, let’s explore its history, including its designer, metal composition, minting location, and some interesting facts about American currency. Enjoy!
2. 1899 Indian Head Penny Regular Strike
- Year: 1899
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 68 RD
- Date of Sale: August 18, 2019
- Price: $108,000
Let’s start with the basics of coin mintage. Experts who study coins, tokens, and medals are called numismatists, and their field is numismatics. The front (heads) side of a coin is the obverse, while the back (tails) side is the reverse. The thinnest parts are the edges.
During minting, metal sheets go through a blanking machine that punches out discs called planchets. Some coins have ridged edges (rims or collars), while others are smooth. A few even combine both styles!
3. 1900 Indian Head Penny Regular Strike
- Year: 1900
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67+ RD
- Date of Sale: February 25, 2021
- Price: $28,200
Coins often feature legally defined inscriptions, such as the country’s name, a national motto, or the title of the person depicted. These are called legends or mottos and usually appear on the front or back, though sometimes they’re placed on the edge.
When inscriptions appear on a coin’s edge, they’re known as edge lettering, created using a Schuler Edge Incusion Machine. Originally, this method was used on gold and silver coins to prevent counterfeiting—a technique worth exploring!
4. 1905 Indian Head Penny Proof
- Year: 1905
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 67 CAM
- Date of Sale: July 31, 2009
- Price: $23,000
In the early days, a coin’s value was tied to its weight and metal content. A $1 gold coin, for example, had to contain $1 worth of gold. Some people would shave the edges to make the coin lighter, reducing its value and cheating its recipients.
To prevent this, the U.S. Mint introduced edge lettering. If someone shaved off the edges, it was immediately noticeable. This anti-counterfeiting measure became unnecessary when coins transitioned to base metals.
5. 1859 Indian Head Penny Regular Strike
- Year: 1859
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 66+
- Date of Sale: February 2, 2012
- Price: $34,500
The Indian Head Penny has an interesting twist—it doesn’t depict a Native American! Instead, it features Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress. Early American coins avoided portraits of presidents, as the Founding Fathers opposed the idea.
At the time, other nations placed monarchs on their coins. However, leaders like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin viewed this as undemocratic, so U.S. coins initially steered clear of presidential portraits during their lifetimes.
6. 1872 Indian Head Penny Regular Strike
- Year: 1872
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 66 RD
- Date of Sale: August 9, 2007
- Price: $126,500
The Founding Fathers preferred Lady Liberty on coins rather than presidents, often basing her image on ancient goddesses or real American women.
The Indian Head Penny is rumored to feature Sarah, the daughter of the Chief Mint Engraver. According to legend, he sketched her at age 12 for the design, but both denied the story.
7. 1864 Indian Head Penny L Ribbon Proof
- Year: 1864
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 65 CAM
- Date of Sale: April 27, 2016
- Price: $152,750
The story of Sarah Longacre wearing a Native American headdress is charming but historically inaccurate—she was already 30 and married when the coin was designed.
Instead, Chief Engraver James B. Longacre stated that the design was inspired by Crouching Venus, an Italian statue from the Vatican that was on display in Philadelphia. However, some of Sarah’s features may have subtly influenced the final portrait.
8. 1877 Indian Head Penny Regular Strike
- Year: 1877
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 66 RD
- Date of Sale: August 9, 2007
- Price: $149,500
The Indian Head Penny features a youthful Lady Liberty adorned with a pearl necklace and a Native American headdress. Interestingly, this feathered headdress was traditionally worn by male chiefs and elders, giving it a masculine touch.
As per constitutional requirements, the obverse displays United States of America along the sides, the mint date at the bottom, and Liberty inscribed on her headband. Some coins also feature the initial “L” for Longacre, subtly placed within her lower hair locks.
9. 1908-S Indian Head Penny Regular Strike
- Year: 1908
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 67 RD
- Date of Sale: January 24, 2021
- Price: $21,600
In 1858, the reverse of the Indian Head Penny featured a laurel wreath with berries, tied with a ribbon at the bottom, surrounding the denomination One Cent. The term “penny” comes from British influence.
In 1859, the design changed. An oak wreath was added on top of the laurel, with a shield between its upper tips. At the bottom, three arrows were tied into the ribbon, connecting the laurel and oak branches.
10. 1888 Indian Head Penny Regular Strike
- Year: 1888
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67 RD
- Date of Sale: January 7, 2008
- Price: $63,250
Before 1971, a British penny was 1/240 of a Sterling Pound, and the plural was “pence.” As a former British colony, the U.S. once used British currency. However, when we introduced our own money, we adopted dollars and cents, where 100 cents equal $1.
In 1971, the UK switched to a decimal system, making 100 pence equal to £1. Yet, Americans still refer to their one-cent coin as a “penny” instead of its official name, One Cent, as inscribed on its reverse. Though a penny isn’t worth much today, the name has stuck!
What factors determine the Indian Head Cent’s value?
There are some factors like rarity, condition, historical significance, and unique varieties that all contribute to determine the Indian Head Cent’s value.
Conclusion:
A unique sector in American numismatics that includes economics, art, and history is the Indian Head Cent series. These coins are more than just coins; they are physical artifacts that represent a country’s past. The attraction of these rare Indian Head Cents is clear, whatever your level of knowledge as a collector or your level of curiosity as a beginner. Every coin on this list, from the famous 1877 cent to the last-year 1909-S, marks a unique era in the history of numismatics.
