1891 Indian Head Penny
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. 1891 Indian head penny. Discussion in 'What's it Worth' started by jedijackie, Mar 23, 2017. Jedijackie New Member. Can anyone tell me what this coin might be worth.
Indian Head Penny Overview
Although sometimes overshadowed by the Lincoln Wheat penny, the Indian Head cent was a highly praised coin during its release and is still lauded in modern times by collectors. The simplistic and historical design is what inspired future coin designs, such as the famous Lincoln Wheat cent.
Both the obverse and reverse designs were created by US Mint engraver James B. Longacre in 1859. Dubbed the Indian Head cent, Longacre’s design would be put into production later that year. Production would continue until 1909, which is when the Lincoln Wheat Cent would take over as the main design for the one-cent denomination.
Centered on the obverse of the coin is a bust of Liberty that is wearing a traditional Native American Headdress. “LIBERTY” can be found on the brim of the headdress, and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” run along the edge of the coin. The date of mintage is found just below the neck of Liberty.
The reverse of the coin is very simple with the words “ONE CENT” centered and surrounded by a wreath. A bundle of arrows sits under the bottom of the wreath, and a small shield sits atop the wreath.
If you would like to learn more about Indian Head pennies and other collectible US one-cent pieces, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Pennies.
History of the 1899 Indian Head Penny
The year 1899 was an uninteresting year for the Indian Head penny; no real problems––neither internally at the mint nor externally in circulation––occurred. Many coins were produced and were very common in circulation.
The Mint at Philadelphia reports striking a total of 53,598,000 Indian Head pennies dated 1899. This was a much higher mintage than most other years in the series and is what has led to so many examples still surviving today.
Like all other Indian Head pennies minted from 1864 till 1909, the 1899 Indian Head penny weighs 3.11 grams and measures 19.05 millimeters in diameter. Denticles (small dots found on the surface of the coin near the rim) are present, and no reeding can be found on the edges.
Red, Red Brown, and Brown Toning on Indian Head Pennies
An interesting topic for those who collect bronze or copper pennies is the designation by third-party graders regarding the coins coloring. This coloring can lead to big changes in price as collectors normally prefer one type over the others.
The change in color is caused by the toning that the copper undergoes over time. New copper that hasn’t been exposed to the elements tends to be a very bright red or almost pink color. As time goes on, this red coloring begins to darken and later turns brown as more copper oxide begins to form on the surface of the coin.
This is where the designations for color, or, more specifically, toning, come into play. The designations effectively identify how much environmental damage the coin has undergone. To be clear, slight toning does not damage a coin and will just make the coin a little darker
Indian Head pennies that have a brown designation are coins that have undergone toning that has turned the coin a nice chocolate or dark brown color. Depending on storage conditions, some coins may develop toning in some spots while the rest of the coin remains bright. These type of coins would receive a Red Brown designation, showing that the coin has some toning but also some original copper.
Red Indian Head pennies are the most sought after as they show no signs of toning, meaning that they were well preserved for over one hundred years.
Each designation brings with it a different type of premium. Brown Indian Head pennies are normally slightly discounted compared to Red Brown examples. Red Indian Head pennies will always carry a premium over the other designations.
Pricing the 1899 Indian Head Penny
Because of the large mintage, many 1899 Indian Head pennies have survived, in all types of condition. Most found will be in a circulated condition, but many uncirculated examples still survive. For this article, the prices given are for coins that would be considered Brown by a third-party grader.
Examples in grades Good 4 and Very Good 8 have a price range of $3–$3.50. Prices increase to $5 in Fine 12 and then to $8 in Very Fine 20. Extremely Fine 40 examples have a going price of $15.
Uncirculated examples in MS-60 condition realize a price of $40. A price increase to $70 can be seen in MS-63. MS-65 grades are somewhat rarer and command a price of $180.
1899 Indian Head pennies that receive a Red designation command a much higher price than those that have a Red Brown or Brown designation.
- 1891 Indian Head Pennies
Coin Info
1891 Indian Head Penny Error
1891 Indian Head cents are very common coins from the numismatic perspective and are frequently encountered in mixed-date rolls and bags. And while they’re virtually impossible to locate in circulation, they are found with ease at nearly any coin shop. 1891 pennies are often bought by coin collectors who are assembling type sets and numismatists who are putting together a series collection of Indian Head pennies. 1891 Indian Head cents are often purchased by individuals outside the numismatic community but who want an inexpensive example of this classic American coin.
Indian Head Pennies For Sale
1891 Indian Head cents were made in huge quantities. 47,070,000 were made as business strikes, while 2,350 proofs were produced. The business strikes sell for $2.25 in a grade of Good-4, while the much scarcer choice proof specimens sell for $2,150.
1891 Indian Head Penny Value
1891 Indian Head pennies were designed by James B. Longacre, who served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1844 until his passing in 1869. Not only did he gain fame for designing the Indian Head penny, which debuted in 1859, but he also was the creative mind behind the two-cent piece. In 1864, that became the first U.S. coin to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
Other Years From This Coin Series
I have a 1891 Indian head pennie in good (ok?) condition. How can I determine if it is one of the rare ones that are worth money?
angela noldHi. I got an 1891 penny today. The word America is missing the A and m. And the word 'of 'is missing.its in good condition. Is it worth anything?
Paulette DorvalHi I have an 1891 penny that has one cent printed backwards (yes, in reverse, tnec eno) on the back. Does that make it more valuable? Thanks!
Kristen Karl