1896 Indian Head Penny
1859 Shield Reverse 1C Indian Cent J-228 PCGS MS64 (PHOTO SEAL) $2,400.00. 1867/67 1C Snow-1 Indian Cent PCGS MS64RB (PHOTO SEAL) $8,000.00. 1870 1C Multiple Digits in Denticles. Snow-8 Indian Cent PCGS. 1896 Indian Head Penny. CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1896 Indian Head Penny value at an average of $3, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $65. 1896 Indian Head cents are common coins from the numismatic perspective, which might not seem to be the case given the fact that these old pennies are virtually impossible to find in circulation these days. However, 1896 pennies are widely available at most coin shops and are frequently encountered in mixed-date rolls and bags. The Indian Head cent, also known as an Indian Head penny, was a one-cent coin ($0.01) produced by the United States Bureau of the Mint from 1859 to 1909. It was designed by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver at the Philadelphia Mint. From 1793 to 1857, the cent was a copper coin about the size of a half dollar.The discovery of gold in California caused a large.
- 1897 Indian Head Penny
- 1896 Indian Head Penny Mint Mark
- 1896 Indian Head Penny Coin Value
- 1896 Indian Head Penny Worth
- 1896 2 Cent Coin
The Indian Head Penny is a one cent coin that was produced by the United States Mint from 1859 through 1909.
On the front of the coin, Liberty is depicted as a Native American wearing a feather head dress with the word 'LIBERTY' on it.
The words 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', and the date also appear on the front of the Indian Head Cent.
For the first year, the reverse had the words 'ONE CENT' inside a laurel wreath.
In 1860 this was changed to an oak wreath with a small shield.
The Indian Head Pennies were made up of 88% copper and 12% nickel from 1859 to 1864. Then in 1864 they began making them of bronze which is 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. The weight of the coins was also reduced.
The early Indian Head Cents also went by the nickname 'Nick' or nickel. This was before there was such a thing as the nickel 5 cent coin we know today. They were given that name because of the nickel they contained.
The Indian Head Pennies lost their nickname in 1866 when five cent nickel coins were produced.
It has been rumored that the model for the Indian likeness was the daughter of James Barton Longacre who designed the Indian Head Penny, but it has not been proven.
In 1908 the Indian Head Penny was produced at the San Francisco Mint. This was the first time that one cent coins were minted anywhere but the Philadelphia Mint.
The Indian Pennies produced at the San Francisco mint have the 'S' mint mark. The coins minted in Philadelphia, however, do not have any identifying mint marks. An Indian Head Penny with and 'S' mint mark is somewhat scarce, hence they are more valuable than other Indian Head Cents.
The Denver Mint did not see one cent coin production until 1911.
There are Three Varieties of Indian Head Pennies
Variety 1 - Copper-Nickel, Laurel Wreath Reverse 1859
| Type | Variety 1 - Copper-Nickel, Laurel Wreath Reverse |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Years Minted | 1859 Only |
| Weight | 4.67 grams |
| Composition | 88% copper, 12% nickel |
| Diameter | approx. 19 mm |
| Edge | plain |
| Mintage | 36,400,000 |
Variety 2 - Copper-Nickel, Oak Wreath With Shield 1860-1864
1897 Indian Head Penny
| Type | Variety 2 - Copper-Nickel, Oak Wreath With Shield |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Years Minted | 1860-1864 |
| Weight | 4.67 grams |
| Composition | 88% copper, 12% nickel |
| Diameter | approx. 19 mm |
| Edge | plain |
| Mintage | 1860 - 20,566,000 1861 - 10,100,000 1862 - 28,075,000 1863 - 49,840,000 1864 - 13,740,000 |
Variety 3 - Bronze 1864-1909
During the Civil War, almost all gold and silver coins disappeared from circulation. Eventually the copper-nickel coins also became scarce. Merchants in larger cities began to issue their own copper tokens so that they would have change for their customers. The government stepped in in 1864 and began issuing its own thin bronze one cent coin. They also made the merchant's tokens illegal.
| Type | Variety 3 - Bronze |
| Designer | James B. Longacre |
| Years Minted | 1864-1909 |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Composition | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
| Diameter | approx. 19 mm |
| Edge | plain |
| Mints | Philadelphia - no mint mark San Francisco - S |
| Mintage | PhiladelphiaSan Francisco - S 1864 - 39,233,714 1908S - 1,115,000 1865 - 35,429,286 1909S - 309,000 1866 - 9,826,500 1867 - 9,821,000 1868 - 10,266,500 1869 - 6,420,000 1870 - 5,275,000 1871 - 3,929,500 1872 - 4,042,000 1873 - 11,676,500 1874 - 14,187,500 1875 - 13,528,000 1876 - 7,944,000 1877 - 852,500 1878 - 5,797,500 1879 - 16,228,000 1880 - 38,961,000 1881 - 39,208,000 1882 - 38,578,000 1883 - 45,591,500 1884 - 23,257,800 1885 - 11,761,594 1886 - 17,650,000 1887 - 45,223,523 1888 - 37,489,832 1889 - 48,866,025 1890 - 57,180,114 1891 - 47,070,000 1892 - 37,647,087 1893 - 46,640,000 1894 - 16,749,500 1895 - 38,341,574 1896 - 39,055,431 1897 - 50,464,392 1898 - 48,821,284 1899 - 53,598,000 1900 - 66,831,502 1901 - 79,609,158 1902 - 87,374,704 1903 - 85,092,703 1904 - 61,326,198 1905 - 80,717,011 1906 - 96,020,530 1907 - 108,137,143 1908 - 32,326,367 1909 - 14,368,470 |
Return From Indian Head Penny to US Coins
See Where the Mint Mark is located on US Coins
Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 Silver $26.90
High 1896 Indian head penny value is the result of collector demand exceeding the small number of nice condition coins surviving today.
If your coin is above average in condition the value doubles. Saved over the years, many of these old pennies minted after 1888 are available but mostly in very worn condition. What is uncommon about the 1896 Indian penny is finding one with most of the design remaining.
1896 Indian Head Penny Mint Mark
Looking closely at your coin, if you can recognize a ribbon across her hair just below the ear, detail to the headband and separate beads to the necklace your coin is sought after by collectors.
Rare is a coin in its original condition, never used. An example is pictured to the right. Termed 'uncirculated' by hobbyist this 1896 Indian penny is worth in the range of $40 to $45.
An important and deciding factor to 1896 Indian penny value is your coin’s condition. Just after the value chart, grading your Indian penny is studied with images and descriptions.
| 1896 Indian Head Penny Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1896 Indian Head Penny Value Updated | 2021 | |||
| 1896 | $1.74 | $2.75 | $9 | $41 |
Value of Gem Quality 1896 Penny
Pictured is one of the top condition 1896 Indian pennies known. Setting it apart is the original color and luster. Copper, quick to begin toning, shows no evidence of loosing any brightness here.
Adding to the rarity is a very bold strike with fine details extending to the tips of the feathers. Next of concern to collectors are marks and abrasions to the surface. This coin has been spared any contact leaving the portrait and fields clear of distracting marks.
Combine now luster, strike and mark free surfaces into one 1896 penny and you have a rare occurrence. David Lawrence rare coin auctions sold this coin to strong bidding for $540. 1896 Indian head penny value is firmly above $500 in the gem quality level of condition.
Small Details Lead to Higher Value
Relating to an old Indian penny it is the small details that decide the value of your coin. Once a coin entered circulation the process of wearing away the finer parts of the design began. The extent of this wear is judged and a 'grade' is assigned. Follow the images and description to find an accurate value of your 1896 Indian penny.
Uncirculated: Desirable because no wear is affecting the surfaces. This penny despite its age is in like new condition. Toning may appear as a dark redness and brown coloring, however no parts of the design have been worn from contact. With a magnifying glass examine her cheek and the tips of the feathers for wear. Minting imparts a certain grain to the surfaces of coins, wear can appear as a somewhat glossy or smooth area and sometimes with dullness to the area.
Extremely Fine: Sharply defined details, including the minor elements, defines an Indian penny in 'extremely fine' condition. Within the head band the letters in Liberty are fully separated from the defining lines of the band. An obvious ribbon is crossing her hair just above the neck line. Wear is present, however all parts are bold. Your coin should stand out as very pleasing to the eye and highly detailed.
1896 Indian Head Penny Coin Value
Fine: Separation of the major design elements is visible on 1896 Indian pennies in 'fine' condition. The worn surfaces are evident but roundness defines the forehead from the eye and cheek. In the area close to the headband the quill and inner parts of the feathers are beginning to show details. Only the high profile ends of the feathers are worn lacking any design. Hair curls are recognizable behind the neck. Moderately worn old pennies are collectible, 1896 Indian head penny value is usually double a lesser grade coin.
Good: Extensive use has worn the majority of this coin away. Most detail separating the feathers, headband, and hairline above her face is smooth and missing. Collectors and dealers prefer a full rim if considering a coin as reaching the 'good' grade.
Coin Values CoinStudy Articles
Date by Date
In Depth Indian Penny Value
1859 to 1882
1859 | 1865 | 1871 | 1877 |
1860 | 1866 | 1872 | 1878 |
1861 | 1867 | 1873 | 1879 |
1862 | 1868 | 1874 | 1880 |
1863 | 1869 | 1875 | 1881 |
1864 | 1870 | 1876 | 1882 |
Date by Date
In Depth Indian Penny Value
1883 to 1909
1883 | 1890 | 1897 | 1904 |
1884 | 1891 | 1898 | 1905 |
1885 | 1892 | 1899 | 1906 |
1886 | 1893 | 1900 | 1907 |
1887 | 1894 | 1901 | 1908 |
1888 | 1895 | 1902 | 1909 |
1889 | 1896 | 1903 |
A very popular coin, everyone understands and has heard of the value of an Indian Head penny. Common dates are now worth one dollar each. Many collectors are building collections and putting a heavy demand on the rare dates and better condition coins. Find not only your 1896 Indian head penny value but all dates in the series are listed on the chart.
Accurate old US penny values are found by using the grading images to judge condition then checking the date and values on the charts covering each series of US pennies. Discover all the rare varieties, dates and mintmarks.
1896 Indian Head Penny Worth
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All old US coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images and descriptions uncover not only the value of Indian pennies but how much your box of old coins is worth.