The 10 Most Valuable Indian Head Cents Every Collector Should Know

10 Most Valuable Indian Head Cent Coins

The Indian Head Cent (1859-1909) is one of the most iconic cash in the US. It became designed by means of James Barton Longacre. The coin features an photograph of a Native American Chief on the obverse (the front side) and a wreath on the reverse (returned aspect).

Although hundreds of thousands of cash had been minted in this 50-12 months collection, the fee of some coins with uncommon dates, mint marks, and excellent situation has reached millions of rupees nowadays. For creditors, adding those coins to their series is like getting a priceless piece of records.

Let’s realize about the 10 maximum treasured Indian Head Cent cash, which have come to be extraordinarily valuable because of their rarity and historical significance.

1. 1877 Indian Head Cent – ​​Most Rare & Valuable

• Mintage: Only 852,500 coins
• Why is it rare?
• The Panic of 1873 caused an extremely low number of coins to be minted in 1877.
• Many coins were melted or entered excessive circulation, making high-grade (Mint State) coins extremely rare.
• Record Price:
• Sold at auction in 2015 for $30,550 (approx. ₹25 lakhs) in MS-66 grade.

2. 1909-S Indian Head Cent – ​​Rare Last Year Edition

• Mintage: Only 309,000 coins (San Francisco Mint)
• Why is it rare?
• This coin is historically significant as it is the last year of the Indian Head cent.
• 1909 saw the introduction of the Lincoln Cent series, which reduced the production of this coin.
• Record Price:
• Sold for $97,750 (approx. ₹81 lakhs) in MS-67 grade.

top 5 American Coins Set for Major Value Growth by the End of 2025

3. 1864 “L on Ribbon” Indian Head Cent – ​​Rare Design Variant

• Mintage: Unknown
• Why is it rare?
• In 1864, James Longaker’s letter ‘L’ was added to the ribbon, making it distinct from other versions.
• Only a few coins feature this design change, making it extremely rare.
• Record Price:
• Sold for $161,000 (approximately ₹1.3 crores) in MS-66 grade.

4. 1869 Indian Head Cent – ​​Low Mintage and Historical Importance

• Mintage: Only 6,420,000
• Why is it rare?
• Due to the economic instability following the American Civil War, demand for coins was high, but production was limited. – Most of the coins went into circulation and are hard to find in good condition.
• Record Price:
• Sold for $24,000 (approx. ₹20 lakhs) in MS-66 grade.

5. 1872 Indian Head Cent – ​​Expensive due to rarity and demand

• Mintage: Only 4,042,000
• Why is it rare?
• Coin production was low in the 1870s due to the Depression.
• Most of the coins went into high circulation, making the higher-grade versions extremely rare.
• Record Price:
• Sold for $126,500 (approx. ₹1 crore) in MS-65 grade.

6. 1871 Indian Head Cent – ​​Limited Production and Rarity

• Mintage: Only 3,929,500
• Why is it rare?
• In 1871, demand for coins was low and most of the coins were damaged.
• This coin is extremely hard to find in high grade.
• Record Price:
• Sold at auction for $63,250 (approx. ₹52 lakhs) in MS-66 grade.

7. 1867 Indian Head Cent – ​​Rare Post Civil War Coin

• Mintage: Only 9,821,000
• Why is it rare?
• In 1867, the US was recovering from the Civil War and there was a shortage of copper.
• Coins that survive in good condition are extremely rare.
• Record Price:
• Sold for $20,700 (approx. ₹17 lakhs) in MS-66 grade.

8. 1863 Indian Head Cent – ​​Important Coin of the Civil War

• Mintage: 49,840,000
• Why is it rare?
• During the Civil War, the government produced a large amount of small value coins due to copper shortage.
• Due to higher circulation, higher grade versions are rarely found.
• Record Price:
• Sold for $15,275 (approx. ₹13 lakhs) in MS-66 grade.

9. 1868 Indian Head Cent – ​​Limited Circulation and Rarity

• Mintage: Only 10,266,500
• Why is it rare?
• Many coins were highly circulated, making it difficult to find in excellent condition.
• Record Price:
• Sold at $25,850 (approx. ₹21 lakhs) in MS-66 grade.

10. 1859 Indian Head Cent – ​​First Year Edition

• Mintage: 36,400,000
• Why is it rare?
• 1859 was the first year the Indian Head cent was issued.
• Its Single-Year Reverse Design makes it a collector’s item.
• Record Price:
• Sold for $50,000 (approx. ₹42 lakhs) in MS-66 grade.

Social Security Payments February 2025: $3,716 – Dates and Eligibility Explained

Conclusion

Indian Head cents are an important part of American history. Coins like the 1877, 1909-S, and 1864 “L on Ribbon” are the most rare and valuable. If you have an Indian Head cent, it might be a priceless treasure too!

FAQs