1860 Indian Head Penny

The 1860 Indian Head Penny is a great addition to any coin collection and is a coin that is growing in popularity. In fact, every coin in the Indian Head series is becoming especially intriguing for investors who not only want to own a beautiful coin, but a piece of American history as well.

This edition of the Indian Head Penny is the first year a new design was unveiled; a design that persisted for many years beyond 1860. Not only is the wreath surrounding the “one cent” face value a bit different than it was in 1859, a shield and arrows were added to further enhance the coin’s reverse.

The fact that the 1860 Indian Head Penny was the first to sport a new design is significant, but collectors care much more about the condition their specific coin is in. After all, it is the condition of coins that are this old that is the most accurate way of determining value. By using the descriptions below, you can compare the coin(s) you own to determine a rough valuation.

Grading the 1860 Indian Head

Determining a coin’s exact grade is not such an easy process and is something that is best left to experts. With that said, you can give your coin a rough grade simply by seeing how its condition has changed (or hasn’t changed) since the day the coin was minted. By using the specifications listed below, you can attain a rough grade of the Indian Head Pennies you have in your collection.

Uncirculated: An uncirculated 1860 Indian Head Penny will look none too different than it did the day it was minted. The coin’s coloration may be a bit duller than it was in 1860, but apart from minor alterations to the color and luster of the coin, it looks exactly like it did originally.

Extremely Fine: An Extremely Fine 1860 Indian Head Penny is just one step down from one that is graded as being Uncirculated. You can see that some wear is present on the coin’s faces, but all in all the imagery and inscriptions are able to be seen in full detail. This means that the Indian’s cheek bone, ruffles of her headdress’ feathers, and the individual leaves on the wreath present on the reverse are all able to be discerned without too much trouble.

Fine: To receive a Very Fine grade, your coin or coins are beginning to show a bit more of their age. Some of the finer details may not be easily discernable with the naked eye, but overall the coin still appears in great condition. Very Fine coins have typically been circulated, but circulated such that they do not show extreme wear.

Good: The coin shows extensive wear to the point where the imagery is not so easy to make out. The Indian’s headdress, face, eyes, and cheekbones have all begun to merge. On the reverse side, the wreath is lacking much discernable detail and the “one cent” face value is a bit difficult to see.

1860 Indian Head Pricing

Being that the 1860 Indian Head Penny is the first year a new design was released, it is especially important for collectors to get their hands on. These coins are becoming especially difficult to find, and because of that their prices are on the rise; this is especially true if the coin in question is in Uncirculated or Extremely Fine condition. Generally speaking, however, the 1860 Indian Head Penny can be acquired and added to your collection for anywhere from $15 to $150+. The chart below will give you a better idea of what a graded Indian Head will cost you on the open market.

1860 Indian Head Penny

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1860	$13-$18	$20-$25	$70-$100	$100-$150+
Source: Red Book