1861 Indian Head Penny

The Indian Head Penny was first introduced in 1859, but quickly caught on as one of the most utilized coins in the United States through the latter part of the 19^th and first part of the 20^th centuries. Nowadays, this coin series is one of the most popular amongst investors not only because of its historical significance, but also because of its unique design.

Further emphasizing the 1861 Indian Head’s significance is the fact that this year’s coin was produced just as the Civil War was beginning. Because of the war’s grip on industrial resources, the 1861 Indian Head was made with a slightly different alloy that is unique to this edition and this edition alone. Because of this, it should be none too surprising that many people attempt to assemble 1861 Indian Head Penny collections.

As far as determining a value for the 1861 Indian Head is concerned, you must first determine the coin’s grade. By using the specifications provided below, you can give your Indian Head a rough grade. Of course, an official grade can only be given by having your coin(s) certified by a professional grading service.

Grading the 1861 Indian Head Penny

Determining the grade of 1861 Indian Head Pennies is imperative in order to determine how much that specific coin can be bought or sold for. Though the process of grading a coin involves a number of different factors, it basically boils down to how well your coin has managed to be preserved over the years. Being that these coins were first produced more than 100 years ago, most are in pretty rough shape, but there are a number of these pennies that are still in near perfect condition.

By using the specifications and chart below, you can attain a rough determination of value for the coin(s) in your collection.

Uncirculated: An uncirculated 1861 Indian Head Penny looks almost identical to what it did the day it was minted. Though the years have caused an alteration in how the coin’s color and tone appears, the details on the imagery are able to be easily discerned with the naked eye. This means that things like the ruffles on the Indian’s Headdress’ feathers, individual leaves on the reverse side’s wreath, and all inscriptions are able to be seen and read without much trouble.

Extremely Fine: An Extremely Fine 1861 Indian Head Penny is in great condition, but shows minor signs of wear. Still, apart from some spotting and signs of circulation, these coins are in absolutely pristine condition. All of the imagery and inscriptions should be able to be easily seen.

Fine: To receive a Fine grade, your coin(s) must still be in decent shape without too much sign of wear and tear. Though all the imagery is able to be discerned, it is clear to see that it is fading and beginning to merge together. Things like the boundary between the headdress and the Indian’s forehead are beginning to disappear.

Good: Without closely inspecting it, a Good graded coin shows visible signs of wear and tear. Boundaries between images are beginning to merge together such that the headdress is not able to be easily discerned from the Indian’s forehead. Additionally, the coin’s faces are a bit smoother; indicative of the imagery and inscriptions being worn down from years of circulation.

1861 Indian Head Pricing

The 1861 Indian Head Penny is especially important because it was made with a unique alloy. Because of this, its price has been driven upward a bit more significantly than other editions. As is the case with any Indian Head, the condition of the coin is the number one determinant of value. The chart below offers up a bit of insight as to what you might be asked to pay for an 1861 Indian Head Penny given its condition.

1861 Indian Head Penny

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1861	$20	$45	$100	$175
Source: Red Book