1867 Indian Head Penny Value Guide What This Little Coin Is Really Worth
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The 1867 Indian Head Penny is worth anywhere from $10 in heavily worn condition to well over $300 in higher mint state grades. If you’ve just pulled one of these out of an old jar or inherited it from a relative, you might be sitting on something more valuable than you’d expect. Let’s break down exactly what this coin is worth and why.
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What Makes the 1867 Indian Head Penny Special
The 1867 Indian Head Penny was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during a fascinating period in American history — just two years after the Civil War ended. Designed by James Longacre, this small copper-nickel coin features the portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, which is where the “Indian Head” name comes from.
The Philadelphia Mint produced about 9.82 million of these coins in 1867, which sounds like a lot, but survival rates in decent condition are much lower. Most of these coins spent decades circulating in pockets and cash registers, leaving them worn smooth. That’s why finding one in better condition is genuinely exciting.
Unlike some earlier Indian Head Pennies, the 1867 doesn’t have a rare variety that commands enormous premiums — but it’s still a solid mid-series date that collectors actively seek. If you want to quickly identify what you have and get an instant value estimate, tools like the coin identifier and value app can save you a lot of time before you visit a dealer.
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1867 Indian Head Penny Value by Grade
The condition of your coin — what collectors call the “grade” — makes an enormous difference in value. A coin that looks barely distinguishable as an Indian Head Penny is worth far less than one where the feathers, hair, and lettering are crisp and clear.
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Here’s a general value table to give you a solid starting point:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| AG / G (1–6) | Very worn, date visible | $10 – $18 |
| VG (8–10) | Moderate wear, main details visible | $20 – $35 |
| F (12–15) | Fine, feathers partially visible | $40 – $65 |
| VF (20–35) | Light wear on high points | $70 – $120 |
| EF / AU (40–58) | Minimal wear, most detail sharp | $130 – $200 |
| MS (60–65) | Uncirculated, mint condition | $250 – $500+ |
For a deeper look at certified auction results and real-world sale prices, you can check out the 1867 Indian Head Penny MS Red price data from recent graded coin sales. Red-designated examples — meaning they retain their original mint luster — consistently bring the highest premiums.
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How to Grade Your 1867 Indian Head Penny at Home
You don’t need to be an expert to get a rough idea of your coin’s grade. Start by looking at the ribbon on Lady Liberty’s headdress and the individual feathers above her head — these are the first areas to show wear.
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If you can count individual feather details and the word “LIBERTY” on the headband is sharp and complete, your coin is likely in Fine or better condition. If those letters are faded or missing, you’re looking at a lower-grade circulated example.
Color also matters significantly. Indian Head Pennies can appear brown (BN), red-brown (RB), or fully red (RD). A coin that has retained its original reddish copper color is almost always worth considerably more. Use good lighting — natural daylight works great — and avoid cleaning the coin under any circumstances. Cleaning destroys value instantly, no matter how dirty the coin looks.
CoinKnow is a great resource for walking through grading steps for Indian Head Pennies, giving you a visual comparison guide that helps everyday people match their coin to known grade examples without any numismatic background.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
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Proof Versions of the 1867 Indian Head Penny
Many people don’t realize the U.S. Mint also produced Proof versions of the 1867 Indian Head Penny for collectors. Only 625 Proof coins were struck that year, making them genuinely rare.
A Proof coin has mirrored, highly reflective fields and frosted design details, struck twice with polished dies for a cameo-like appearance. These are a completely different product from circulation strikes and require specialized grading.
A Proof 1867 Indian Head Penny in grades PR-63 to PR-65 can sell for $500 to over $1,500 depending on eye appeal and certification. These should absolutely be sent to PCGS or NGC for authentication before you try to sell one.
If you’re curious how values for related dates compare — for example, how condition and color affect pricing on similar coins — reviewing detailed Indian Head Penny value information across the series can give you helpful context for understanding where the 1867 sits in the broader market.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Should You Sell or Hold Your 1867 Indian Head Penny
If your coin grades VF or higher, it’s worth getting a professional opinion before selling. You can submit it to PCGS or NGC for grading, or at minimum take it to a reputable local coin dealer for an informal assessment. Selling a coin worth $150 for $20 at a yard sale is a mistake that happens every day.
If it’s worn and circulated, it still has real collector value and is easy to sell through coin shows, eBay, or to a dealer. CoinKnow also helps users track market trends for specific coin dates so you can time a sale intelligently rather than guessing.
Whatever condition your 1867 Indian Head Penny is in, it’s a genuine piece of American history struck just after one of the country’s most defining moments. That alone makes it worth taking seriously.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1867 Indian Head Penny is real?
A: Genuine 1867 Indian Head Pennies are made of a copper-nickel alloy (88% copper, 12% nickel) and should have a consistent weight of 3.11 grams. Check the coin under magnification for sharp, even lettering and a naturally aged surface. If something looks “off,” a dealer or CoinKnow can help you compare it against known examples.
Q: Is there a rare variety of the 1867 Indian Head Penny?
A: The 1867 doesn’t have a major recognized variety like some other dates in the series, but die varieties do exist that specialists collect. For most people, the standard date and condition are the primary value drivers.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1867 Indian Head Penny?
A: For coins in Fine condition or better, certified coin dealers, PCGS/NGC submission, or established auction platforms like Heritage Auctions offer the best results. For lower-grade examples, eBay or a local coin show are perfectly reasonable options.
