The value of a 1905 Indian Head Penny depends on several factors, primarily its condition (grade) and color.
- Circulated Grades:
– Good-4 (G-4): $2 – $3
– Fine-12 (F-12): $5 – $7
– Extremely Fine-40 (XF-40): $10 – $16
– About Uncirculated-50 (AU-50): $20 – $36
- Uncirculated Grades (Business Strike):
– MS-60 (Brown): $40 – $50
– MS-63 (Brown): $60 – $90
– MS-65 (Brown): $140 – $200
– MS-66 (Brown): $375 – $475
– MS-67 (Brown): Scarce
- Proof Specimens:
– PR-63 (Brown): $275 – $285
– PR-65 (Brown): $650
– PR-67 (Brown): $3,000+
The original copper color (red) is highly prized, and its retention significantly increases the coin’s value, especially in uncirculated grades.
- Brown (BN): Less than 5-10% original red color remaining.
- Red-Brown (RB): A mix of brown and red, with 10-90% original color remaining.
- Red (RD): 90-95% or more original red color remaining.
- Errors and Varieties: Coins with errors, such as repunched dates or doubled dies, can be worth considerably more. For instance, a 1905 Indian Head Penny with a repunched date has an estimated value around $75. An off-center strike could fetch $50 – $300+, depending on the severity.
- Proof Coins: Proof coins, which were specially struck for collectors, have a limited mintage of 2,152 pieces and are considerably more valuable than business strike coins. A Proof PR-67 Red went for $11,750 in March 2014.
In summary, while many 1905 Indian Head Pennies are affordable, high-quality, high-grade coins, particularly those retaining their original red color or exhibiting errors, can be quite valuable to collectors.
What makes a 1905 penny valuable?
The most valuable 1905 Indian Head cents are uncirculated coins earning the highest “Mint State” ratings from certified coin grading services. Mint State (uncirculated) coins are graded from MS-60 to MS-70.
Are coins from 1905 worth anything?
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a Liberty Head Nickel from 1905 in circulated condition is worth between $1.50 and $100. However, on the open market 1905 Nickels in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $6250.
Are any 1 cent US coins valuable?
Good point! While most pennies are only worth their face value, certain rare and historical pennies can be valuable to collectors, such as the 1909-S VDB and the 1943 copper penny, with values ranging from a few dollars to thousands of dollars depending on their rarity and condition.