1896 Indian Head Penny Rating: 8,0/10 5019 votes

The 1896 Indian Head penny is worth around $3 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $8. In extremely fine condition the value is around $15. In uncirculated condition the price is around $45 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $65. After the turn of the 20th Century, the 1908-S struck from 95 percent Copper is the first date to be thought of as key by numismatists. Coins made by the San Francisco Mint in 1909 are also valuable to collectors. Indian Head Penny key dates include: 1864-L 1969 1872 1877 1908-S 1909-S.

The 1896 United States 'indian head' one. Cent obverse features Liberty facing left, wearing an indian headdress with 'LIBERTY' on the headband. The surrounding legend reads 'UNITED. STATES OF AMERICA', with date below. The reverse shows the words 'ONE CENT' inside an oak wreath, with a shield above. Valuing the 1896 Indian Head Penny. Despite its commonality, the 1896 Indian Head penny can be quite valuable in very high grades, especially if it displays a nice reddish tone. Good-4 and Very-8 grades are worth between $2 and $4, and Fine-12 coins are worth $5.15. Very Fine-20 coins are valued at $8.25, and Extremely Fine-40 coins may bring $15.

  • 1896 Indian Head Pennies
Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez

Coin Info

N/A
United States
Copper Coin
$0.01 USD
39,059,155
U.S. Mint
1896

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. Most 1896 pennies are snapped up by numismatists who are assembling type sets, and they are also pursued by coin collectors who are putting together a series collection of Indian Head pennies.

1896 Indian Head cents were struck in large numbers. In fact, 39,057,293 business strikes were made for commerce purposes. In a grade of Good-4, those sell for around $2. The U.S. Mint also struck proof 1896 pennies, though these were made in a much small quantity of just 1,862 coins. 1896 proof pennies are worth $1,900.

Wheat

James B. Longacre designed 1896 Indian Head pennies. He served as the Chief Engraver at the United States Mint from 1844 until his passing in 1869. Longacre gain fame not just as the creative mind behind the Indian Head penny (which actually features a bust of his daughter, Sarah), but he was also the designer of the two-cent piece. In 1864, that became the first U.S. coin to bear the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.

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The 1896 Indian Head pennies have value as numismatic coins. Keep reading to learn more about these one cent coins.

Specifications

Type: Indian Head Penny
Year: 1896
Face Value: $0.01
Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
Total Weight: 3.11 grams

There is no mint mark on this coin. Each coin was minted in Philadelphia.

SeriesLocationQuantity Minted
1896Philadelphia39,055,431
1896 ProofPhiladelphia1,862

Value

The 1896 Indian Head penny is worth around $3 in good condition. In very fine condition the value is around $8. In extremely fine condition the value is around $15. In uncirculated condition the price is around $45 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $65.

The 1896 Indian Head proof penny is worth around $150 in PR 63 condition.

Grading System

Good- The word 'LIBERTY' inscribed on Liberty's headband is not visible.

Very fine- The word 'LIBERTY' inscribed on Liberty's headband is visible but there is slight wear.

1896 Indian Head Penny Mint Mark

Extremely fine- The word 'LIBERTY' inscribed on Liberty's headband is sharp. The other details on the coin are also sharp. There is slight wear on the end of the ribbon.

MS 60 uncirculated- There are no signs of wear. The coin has luster, but there may be a few stains, abrasions, or surface marks.

MS 63 choice uncirculated- In the major focal areas there are some blemishes or contact marks. The coin's luster might not be as prominent.

PR 63 proof- This coin has reflective surfaces and only a few blemishes away from the major focal points. There are no major flaws.

Sources:

The Red Book

1896 Indian Head Penny How Much Is It Worth


See also:

1896 Indian Head Penny Ngc

1897 Indian Head Penny
1895 Indian Head Penny
1894 Indian Head Penny