The value of an 1899 one-cent coin, specifically an Indian Head Penny, depends heavily on its condition.
Here’s a general guide to pricing the 1899 Indian Head Penny based on its grade:
- Good (G-4): Around $3.
- Fine (F-12): Around $5.
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): Around $15 – $17.
- Uncirculated (MS-60 and above): Values can start around $25 and go much higher depending on the specific grade and color (brown, red-brown, red).
- Condition/Grade: The primary driver of value. Coins with less wear and tear are more valuable. Consider factors like luster, details, and color.
- Mint Errors: Coins with errors like repunched dates or off-center strikes can significantly increase their value.
- Color: Indian Head Pennies are graded by color (Brown, Red-Brown, Red), with Red (RD) being the most desirable and often fetching the highest prices.
- Consult a Price Guide: Guides like the Red Book offer detailed pricing information based on grade.
- Examine the Coin Carefully: Look for details in Liberty’s headdress, the date, and the lettering to assess the grade.
- Seek Expert Opinion: If you believe you have a high-grade or error coin, consider having it authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
- Do not clean the coin: Cleaning coins can damage them and significantly reduce their value.
Note: Prices can fluctuate due to market conditions, so the values provided here should be considered estimates. You can find examples of 1899 Indian Head Cents for sale on platforms like [eBay] and [Etsy] . Some 1899 pennies have been sold for very high amounts in auctions. For example, a PCGS MS68RD 1899 Indian Head Penny sold for $108,000 in 2019.
How rare is an 1889 penny?
Generally speaking, Indian Head Pennies from the 1880s are scarce and not so easy to come by. The 1889 edition is a bit of an exception due to the fact that an unusually large quantity of the coins have survived to today.
Which American 1 cent coins are valuable?
Good point! 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny — $2.3 million. …
1944-S Steel Wheat Penny — $1.1 million. …
1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent — $862,500. …
1943-S Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze — $282,000. …
1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny — $258,000. …
1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent — $224,831. …
1856 Flying Eagle Cent — $172,500.