Despite being over a century old, the 1907 Indian Head Penny is still a relatively common find in most coin shops that specialize in US coinage. You can easily come across mixed-date rolls and bags of older pennies that include this particular edition. And when it comes to condition, you'll find it in all the circulated grades and uncirculated grades.
Why do coin collectors and history enthusiasts love the 1907 Indian Head Penny? For one thing, it's a prime example of a classic American coin that captures the essence of the time period in which it was produced.
So, if you're curious about the 1907 Indian Head Penny value and historical significance, dive into this blog and discover whether these little pennies are worth more than you might think.
The production of Indian Head pennies was carried out by the Philadelphia Mint between 1859 and 1909. In circulation, the Flying Eagle penny was replaced by the Indian Head penny, which was the second small-size penny. J. Barton Longacre, chief engraver, started the coin's design.
The original plan was to design a coin with an Indian Chief on the obverse, but Lady Liberty with a headdress was included.
The reverse originally featured a laurel wreath, which was changed to an oak wreath in 1860. The metal composition was changed in 1864 to replace nickel with tin/zinc and increase the percentage of copper. Subsequently, to help meet demand, the Indian Head Penny mintage was increased during the century's transition.
A total of 108,138,618 coins were produced by the mint in 1907. In the Indian Head penny series, it was the most produced. Only a small percentage of these pennies are in mint condition, and the majority are damaged.
Large fluctuations in value are caused by minute, subtle variations in a coin's surface. Frequently, one must use a magnifying glass to find these differences. Accurately assess the condition of your coin by comparing it to the images. Every 1907 Indian Head penny value can determined by carefully inspecting it.
| Conditions | Images | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
Uncirculated |  | To attain the prestigious "uncirculated" grade, a complete lack of wear is necessary. The entire coin still has the original mint luster, which is frequently toned to a pleasing brown. | $20 |
Extremely Fine |  | The design of a 1907 Indian head penny in "extremely fine" condition is clearly defined throughout. The ribbon of her headdress below her ear and the curls in her hair are boldly rounded and separated. | $10 |
Fine |  | When in "fine" condition, the value of a 1907 Indian head penny as a collectible coin is typically double that of a lower-grade specimen. The grade is moderate and includes plenty of details. The highest details have been greatly diminished by wear, but not to the point where they blend together. | $4.50 |
Good |  | A coin is said to be in "good" condition if its surface has seen significant wear. Despite the portrait's extreme wear, the striking design is obviously distinct from the background. | $2 |
The value of the 1901 Indian Head Penny in today's market is affected by its mint state.
| Mint State (MS) Grade | Average Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| MS67 | $65000 |
| MS67 | $30000 |
| MS66+ | $4000 |
| MS65+ | $900 |
| MS65 | $700 |
| MS64+ | $400 |
| MS64 | $325 |
James Barton Longrace, the design creator, chose to produce it in a way that shared weight, diameter, and composition with the Flying Eagle Cent, its forerunner. However, due to the high cost of production associated with the copper price, it was ultimately decided to lighten the Indian Head Penny to 3.11 grams.
The coin's obverse features a bust of a Caucasian woman wearing a Native American headdress on the left, along with the word "Liberty". A list and graffiti surround the bust and the legend, which begins at 7 o'clock and reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in a clockwise manner below the date.
The face value of the letter "ONE CENT" occupies the central and most significant portion of the reverse, which is also surrounded by graphite and a plain ribbon. Above it is the presidential coat of arms, with a crown connected by a ribbon and three arrows.
| Country: | United States |
|---|---|
| Year Of Issue: | 1907 |
| Denomination: | One Cent (USD) |
| Mint Mark: | None (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage: | 108,137,143 |
| Alloy: | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin |
| Weight: | 3.11 grams |
| Diameter: | 19.00 mm |
| Edge: | Plain |
| OBV Designer | James Barton Longacre |
| REV Designer | James Barton Longacre |
| Quality: | Business Strike |
The 1907 Indian Head Penny's ability to capture the essence of a bygone era and its availability as a collectible contributes to its ongoing appeal. This penny is a useful addition to any collection because, despite its age, it can still be found in a variety of conditions.
Examining this coin's history shows how it changed from the initial concept for its design to its creation and widespread use. The variations in value are a reflection of both the condition and the subtle differences that characterize each coin.
Regardless of your level of experience with collecting coins, the 1907 Indian Head Penny provides an intriguing look into the past of American coinage. It is a treasure that is worth discovering and preserving because of its composition, design, and historical significance. Thus, the next time you encounter one of these tiny copper jewels, pause to honor the history and legacy it bears.
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