Most Valuable Indian Head Pennies Worth Collecting

What can you buy for a penny these days? Practically nothing. With most merchants accepting cards, coins — especially old pennies — often end up forgotten in jars or at the bottom of purses. Before you toss any old cents, though, check closely: some rare pennies can be worth tens of thousands of times their face value.

Indian Head cents, sometimes called Indian Head pennies, are among the most valuable. Produced by the U.S. Mint from 1859 to 1909, these coins were designed by James Barton Longacre, the Philadelphia Mint’s chief engraver. Longacre’s design stands out from the later Lincoln cent and includes many date and design variations that collectors prize.

Which Indian Head pennies are worth money? Below are the most valuable Indian Head cents, listed roughly from least to most valuable, with key identifying details and typical market values based on reputable coin guides.

37. 1895 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $172 (proof examples)

Worn 1895 Indian Head cents are common and hold little premium, but proof examples command higher prices—around $172 and up. Large mintage numbers mean this date is less rare than many others on the list.

36. 1885 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $222 (uncirculated), about $165 (proof)

The 1885 cent typically looks ordinary, but proof and high-grade uncirculated pieces are worth substantially more than circulated examples.

34. 1886 Indian Head Cent (Type 1) (Tie)

Estimated value: $278 (uncirculated)

The 1886 issue has two varieties. Type 1 can be identified when the last “A” in “AMERICA” aligns with the Indian’s hair lock. Type 1 pieces in mint state can reach roughly $278.

34. 1874 Indian Head Cent (Tie)

Estimated value: $278 (uncirculated)

Circulated 1874 cents are modestly priced, but proof and uncirculated examples are significantly more valuable, often in the hundreds of dollars.

33. 1875 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $286 (uncirculated)

1875 Philadelphia-minted cents in average condition are inexpensive, but high-grade uncirculated examples can fetch several hundred dollars. For precise valuation, a professional grading service or coin expert can help.

32. 1873 Indian Head Cent (Open 3)

Estimated value: $362 (uncirculated)

The 1873 date appears with two numeral styles: Open 3 and Closed 3. Open 3 is wider and generally less valuable than Closed 3, but an uncirculated Open 3 can still bring a few hundred dollars.

30. 1878 Indian Head Cent (Tie)

Estimated value: $408 (uncirculated)

With a multi-million mintage, 1878 cents can still be found in family coin collections. Average circulated examples are modestly priced; uncirculated specimens are valued higher.

30. 1876 Indian Head Cent (Tie)

Estimated value: $408 (uncirculated)

Nearly 7.9 million were produced in Philadelphia. Circulated examples are inexpensive, but mint-state coins command higher prices.

29. 1868 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $416 (uncirculated)

Average circulated 1868 cents remain affordable, but uncirculated condition greatly increases value.

25. 1908 S Indian Head Cent (Tie)

Estimated value: $443 (uncirculated)

This San Francisco-minted example carries an “S” mint mark and is more valuable in uncirculated grades.

25. 1872 Indian Head Cent (Bold N) (Tie)

Estimated value: $443 (proof)

The 1872 coin exists in “Bold N” and “Shallow N” varieties referring to the lettering of “ONE CENT.” Bold N examples are less rare than the Shallow N but remain collectible, particularly as proofs.

25. 1867 Indian Head Cent (Tie)

Estimated value: $443 (proof)

Proof and well-preserved examples of 1867 cents are worth significantly more than worn coins.

25. 1866 Indian Head Cent (Tie)

Estimated value: $443 (proof)

Circulated 1866 cents have modest value, while proof pieces can fetch several hundred dollars.

24. 1865 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $495 (proof)

Average circulated specimens are inexpensive, but well-preserved proofs approach $500.

22. 1886 Indian Head Cent (Type 2) (Tie)

Estimated value: $545 (uncirculated)

Type 2 shows a gap between the last “A” in “AMERICA” and the hair lock. Type 2 uncirculated examples can be valuable.

22. 1864 Indian Head Cent (No L) (Tie)

Estimated value: $545 (proof)

The 1864 issue appears with and without an “L” on the ribbon. The No-L variety is more common, but proof specimens remain desirable.

21. 1873 Indian Head Cent (Closed 3)

Estimated value: $593 (uncirculated)

The Closed 3 variety in the 1873 date has a narrow opening in the numeral and is considerably more valuable than the Open 3 when in high grade.

20. 1860 Indian Head Cent (Pointed Bust)

Estimated value: $616 (uncirculated)

1860 cents exist with pointed or rounded bust types. Pointed-bust mint-state examples are more valuable, while circulated examples remain affordable.

19. 1869 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $765 (uncirculated)

Though it lacks prominent varieties, the 1869 cent’s age and surviving condition levels make high-grade examples desirable to collectors.

18. 1871 Indian Head Cent (Bold N)

Estimated value: $887 (uncirculated)

Variation in the letter “N” in “ONE CENT” creates Bold N and Shallow N types. The Bold N pieces in high grade can be quite valuable.

17. 1870 Indian Head Cent (Bold N)

Estimated value: $946 (uncirculated)

The Bold N 1870 is rarer in uncirculated grades, where it can approach four figures.

13. 1870 Indian Head Cent (Shallow N) (Tie)

Estimated value: $1,003 (uncirculated)

Shallow N varieties are rarer and more sought-after; uncirculated Shallow N 1870 examples can exceed $1,000.

13. 1864 Indian Head Cent (Oak Wreath With Shield) (Tie)

Estimated value: $1,003 (proof)

The 1864 oak wreath with shield reverse is a copper-nickel variety that is scarce in high grades and especially valuable as a proof.

13. 1863 Indian Head Cent (Tie)

Estimated value: $1,003 (proof)

Circulated 1863 coins may be inexpensive, but proof examples are often valued above $1,000.

13. 1862 Indian Head Cent (Tie)

Estimated value: $1,003 (proof)

Minted in Philadelphia with a copper-nickel composition, 1862 proof specimens are among the more valuable entries from the early series.

12. 1871 Indian Head Cent (Shallow N)

Estimated value: $1,056 (uncirculated)

The 1871 Shallow N is rarer than its Bold N counterpart and can exceed $1,000 in uncirculated condition.

11. 1860 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $1,106 (proof)

Though circulated 1860 cents are common and inexpensive, proof specimens can fetch well over $1,000.

10. 1869 Indian Head Cent (9 Over 9)

Estimated value: $1,196 (uncirculated)

A doubled-digit error on the last “9” raises the 1869’s value. Even mid-grade examples are collectible, and mint-state specimens command the highest prices.

9. 1894 Indian Head Cent (Double Date)

Estimated value: $1,237 (uncirculated)

When the “94” appears doubled, with a faint shadow to the right of each digit, the coin becomes far more sought-after. Very fine examples are modestly priced, but mint-state coins can exceed $1,200.

8. 1909 S Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $1,286 (uncirculated)

The 1909-S is rare because few were struck. Look for the small “S” mint mark under the wreath; uncirculated specimens often fetch four-figure prices.

7. 1872 Indian Head Cent (Shallow N)

Estimated value: $1,354 (uncirculated)

The Shallow N 1872 is especially rare. If the “N” in “ONE” looks almost flat against the field, you may have a high-value variety that reaches well into four-figure prices in mint condition.

6. 1861 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $1,671 (proof)

Average circulated 1861 cents are inexpensive, but proof and top-grade specimens can sell for well over $1,600.

5. 1859 Indian Head Cent (Laurel Wreath Reverse Without Shield)

Estimated value: $1,789 (proof)

The earliest Indian Head cents feature a laurel wreath reverse without a shield. Circulated examples are inexpensive, but proof pieces are highly valuable.

4. 1877 Indian Head Cent

Estimated value: $5,002 (brilliant uncirculated)

Produced in limited numbers, the 1877 Indian Head cent is highly sought after. Good circulated examples can be worth around $1,000, proofs near $3,000, and top mint-state coins may exceed $5,000.

3. 1864 Indian Head Cent (With L)

Estimated value: $9,864 (proof)

The tiny “L” on the ribbon beside the bottom feather marks this 1864 variant. While well-worn examples are modestly priced, proof specimens and top preserved coins can reach five-figure values.

2. 1873 Indian Head Cent (Double Liberty)

Estimated value: $14,753 (brilliant uncirculated)

One of the rarest minting errors, the 1873 Double Liberty displays a doubled “LIBERTY” legend. Fine examples can exceed $900; uncirculated examples often reach thousands, and the finest mint-state coins approach mid-five-figure prices.

1. 1888 Indian Head Cent (Last 8 Over 7)

Estimated value: $38,120 (uncirculated)

The most valuable Indian Head cent on this list shows an overdate where the earlier “7” from 1887 remains faintly visible under the final “8.” This subtle overdate makes the 1888/7 variety extremely scarce. Average circulated examples are modestly priced, but brilliant uncirculated specimens can command prices in the tens of thousands.

Values listed above reflect common price ranges for various grades and notable varieties; specific prices can vary with market conditions, certification, and coin condition. If you find an old penny that appears different or unusually crisp, consider having it evaluated by a professional grader or experienced dealer before selling or discarding it.