Hobbies Coin Collecting U.S. Coin Values Guide

Indian Head Penny: Key Dates, Rarities, and Varieties

Close Up of an Indian Head Penny

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When it comes to collecting Indian Head penny key dates, rarities, and varieties, a small difference on a coin can result in a large difference in the value. Coin collectors specializing in collecting Indian Head pennies actively seek out these dates and varieties to complete their collection. They are always looking for the best possible specimen to add to their collection.

Listed below are the key dates and varieties for the Indian Head cents that were minted from 1859 to 1909. Read the descriptions carefully and study the photos to see if your Indian Head penny is worth more than you think. 

  • 01 of 12

    1864 Indian Head Cent Copper: Nickel vs. Bronze

    Indian Head Penny Copper Nickel Versus Bronze

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    In 1859, when Indian Head cents were first made, they were composed of 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel. In 1864, the U.S. Mint stopped using nickel in the production of Indian Head pennies and changed to a bronze composition, consisting of 95 percent copper and 5 percent tin and zinc.

    Over 13 million 1864 dated pennies were minted using the copper and nickel composition. Over 39 million 1864 dated coins were made with the bronze composition. The copper and nickel coins have a slightly silver-ish color to them, while the bronze coins have a deeper orange color. Circulated bronze coins have a brown patina to them, and the copper-nickel coins retain some of their silver color.

    The 1864 Indian Head penny that contained the copper-nickel alloys sells for about a 30 percent premium over the bronze alloy.

  • 02 of 12

    1864 Indian Head Penny: No "L" on Ribbon

    1864 Indian Head Cent No "L" on Ribbon Variety

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    There are two varieties of the bronze 1864 Indian Head penny. The first has a plain ribbon tail behind the neck where the headband meets the curls of hair. Another indicator for this variety is that the tip of the bust is more rounded than on the variety with the "L".

    This is the more common variety of the 1864 Indian Head penny. Therefore, it sells at a lower price than the variety with the "L" on the ribbon next to the last tail feather.

  • 03 of 12

    1864 Indian Head Penny: "L" on Ribbon

    1864 Indian Head Cent "L" on Ribbon Variety

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    Later in 1864, an "L" was added to the ribbon, resulting in another variety of the 1864 Indian Head penny. The small "L" is located on the ribbon behind the neck where the headband meets the curls of hair. This "L" is designer James B. Longacre's last initial. You can also look at the tip of the bust, which is more pointed on this variety than the variety without the "L" on the ribbon.

    This variety of the 1864 Indian Head penny normally sells for almost 4 times as much as the one without the "L" on the ribbon. However, beware of alterations on well-circulated coins. The positioning of the "L" in the design allows it to wear down before the rest of the design elements. Pay close attention can be on the lookout for fakes and forgeries that may be out there. When buying higher quality coins, make sure you buy from a reputable coin dealer and that they have been certified by a third-party grading service.

  • 04 of 12

    1869 Indian Head Penny: 69 Over 69 Variety

    1869 Indian Head Cent 69 Over 69 Variety

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    While producing the dies for the 1869 Indian Head cent, a production problem occurred that resulted in a doubled die. The doubling is most noticeable on the last two digits of the date, "69." Look above the two numerals for a shadow of the two numbers. As these coins circulated, the delicate doubling tended to wear away. Therefore be particularly cautious before paying a premium for a well-worn 1869 Indian Head Penny 69/69 variety.

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  • 05 of 12

    1873 Indian Head Penny: Open 3 Variety

    1873 Indian Head Cent Open 3 Variety

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    While engraving the date on the die at the mint, two different varieties of the "3" were used. The first variety has a "3" in the date that is more open, as indicated by the distance between the ends of the loops in the numeral. Both the Open 3 Variety and the Closed 3 Variety (see below) are almost identically priced. Neither one of them carries a significant premium over the other.

  • 06 of 12

    1873 Indian Head Penny: Closed 3 Variety

    1873 Indian Head Cent Closed 3 Variety

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    The second variety of the 1873-dated Indian Head penny has a "3" in the date that is more closed when compared to the open "3" variety as illustrated above. Once again, neither variety carries a significant premium over the other. However, you should look at the word LIBERTY in the Indian's headdress to determine if it is a doubled die (see below) variety.

  • 07 of 12

    1873 Indian Head Penny: Doubled Liberty Variety

    1873 Indian Head Cent Doubled LIBERTY on Headband Variety

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    Another production error in 1873 resulted in a doubled die variety. This is most noticeable on the word "LIBERTY" on the headband. Doubling can also be seen on the hairline and the eye. This variety is valuable in any grade.

  • 08 of 12

    1877 Indian Head Penny: Key Date

    1877 Indian Head Penny

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    Although not an error or variety, the 1877 Indian Head cent had an extremely low mintage of only 852,500 coins. This has made it a key date and one of the most valuable coins in the series. Since this is the most valuable coin in the series, it is often counterfeited. Beware of coins that are not certified and offered at a bargain-basement price.

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  • 09 of 12

    1886 Indian Head Penny: Type 1 or Variety I

    1886 Indian Head Cent Type 1 Variety

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    A change in production in 1886 resulted in two different types of Indian Head cents being produced. The first one, known as "Type I," has the last letter in the word "AMERICA" aligning with the lower curl on the Indian's bust.

  • 10 of 12

    1886 Indian Head Penny: Type 2 or Variety II

    1886 Indian Head Cent Type 2 Variety

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    The second variety of 1886 Indian Head cents has the last letter in the word "AMERICA" aligning more to the right of the lower curl on the Indian's bust. This is the more valuable variety and sells for a premium over the Type 1 coin. The premium ranges from 30 to 50% more in value.

  • 11 of 12

    1888 Indian Head Penny: Last 8 Over 7 Variety

    1888 Indian Head Cent Last 8 Over 7 Variety

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    Although somewhat controversial, it is believed that an 1887 Indian Head cent hub was reused to produce the 1888 Indian Head cents. The lower part of the last numeral in the date can still be seen sticking out from the lower-left corner of the "8."

    This is the rarest and one of the most valuable Indian Head penny varieties found so far. Be cautious of unscrupulous coin doctors that have added a small lump to the bottom of the last "8" in the date. Be sure you purchase your coins from a trustworthy coin dealer and that the coin is certified by 1/3 party grading companies.

  • 12 of 12

    1909-S Indian Head Penny: Key Date

    1909-S Indian Head Cent Key Date

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    In 1909, the Lincoln cent design replaced the Indian Head penny, but not until almost 300,000 Indian Head cents were produced at the San Francisco mint. This extremely low mintage makes this another key for the Indian Head cent series.