The history, origin, value, and story behind every old coin make it collectible and unique in the eyes of passionate coin lovers. The same goes for Indian pennies, which production lasted for 50 years.
With some changes in look and materials used, they are regarded as desirable pieces among the collectors. Let’s check the 1895 Indian head penny value and how collectible this coin is on the current market.
1895 Indian Head Penny History
The economic crisis from 1893 to 1897, so-called the Panic of 1893, had affected many areas of the economic life of American citizens. It caused unemployment, poverty, homelessness, money insecurity, and instability. Nonetheless, the Indian head penny production continued as planned without any cutbacks and recessions.
1895 Indian head penny |
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| Location | Year | Minted | Value |
| Philadelphia | 1895 | 38,341,574 | $2 |
| Philadelphia | 1895 proof | 2,062 | $1,275 |
Only the Philadelphia mint produced this coin in 1895, so you can’t find the mint mark on it. The production started in 1859, and it lasted until 1909 with some small alternation in the process.
1895 Indian head penny |
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| Face value | 1 cent ($0,01) |
| Compound | Copper (95%) and zinc and tin (5%) |
| Coin weight | 0.09998 troy ounces (3,11 g) |
| Coin diameter | 0,75Â inches (19,05 mm) |
| Coin thickness | 0.05905 inches (1.5 mm) |
| Edge | Plain |
| Shape | Round |
Chief Engraver James B. Longacre was the designer and engraver of the Indian head penny. The design on the obverse side shows Lady Liberty’s head looking to the left. She wears the native American headdress on her head with the LIBERTY words written on the headband.
The rumor said that the Lady Liberty image was made based on the face of the designer’s daughter. Even though there was no evidence to support this story, many Americans believed it was true. On the other hand, it was sure that the Lady Liberty face was not Native American but Caucasian.
1895 Indian head penny value* |
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| Quality | Price by USA Coin book | Price by COIN HelpU |
| Good | $3.3 | $1 |
| Very good | $3.9 | / |
| Fine | $5.7 | / |
| Very fine | $9.1 | $2 |
| Extra fine | $17 | $3 |
| AU | $28 | $20 |
| MS 60 | $45 | / |
| MS 63 | $74 | $80 |
| MS 65 | / | $280 |
| PR 63 | $177 | / |
| PR 65 | / | $560 |
You can see the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA written along the coin rim from left to right. The UNITED STATES part of the inscription is in front of Lady Liberty, while the rest, OF AMERICA, is behind her head. Underneath, you can see a date of struck without the mint mark.
The design of the reverse side has a legend ONE CENT struck in the middle of the oak wreath. Previously, this used to be a laurel wreath, but the designer changed it to an oak wreath in 1859. You can also see the shield, also added in 1859, on the wreath top, over the denomination.
The bottom of the wreath is wrapped with a bow, and you can notice three arrows coming out of it. As with many other details, these three arrows didn’t exist on the coin’s reverse before 1859.
1895 Indian Head Penny Types
1895 Indian head penny
Even though Indian head pennies (Indian head cents) were minted from 1859 to 1909, only one mint was responsible for their production. A high number of 38,341,574 pennies was produced in Philadelphia in 1895.
Since these coins are not rare, you can expect to find a piece in decent condition for a really low price. In most cases, you can count on only $1 to $30 for a specimen in low grades.
Even a coin in MS 65 grade is affordable and is about $280 worth. However, you can occasionally find scarce and highly valuable specimens on the market. For instance, one almost perfect red PCGS graded MS 67 Indian head penny is worth an unbelievable $23,000.
The 1895 Indian head penny is uncomplicated and modest, but it is unique in many ways and valuable to many collectors.
1895 proof Indian head penny
The number of minted proof Indian head pennies in 1895 was just 2,062 coins. You probably expect their value to be significantly higher on the coin market than regular pieces.
However, numerous proofs minted this year have survived, mainly brown pieces. Therefore, they are considered ordinary on the market, and their prices are not exceptionally high.
1895 proof Indian head penny with brown surface value* |
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| Quality | Price |
| PR 60 | $143 to $172 |
| PR 61 | $162 to $195 |
| PR 62 | $188 to $226 |
| PR 63 | $221 to $254 |
| PR 64 | $292 to $336 |
| PR 65 | $422 to $486 |
| PR 66 | $910 to 1,090 |
| PR 67 | $3,440 to $4,060 |
*by Greysheet
On the other hand, red-brown coins are more scarce, especially those in PR 66 grade and higher. Be aware that cameo red gems are the rarest, and you can expect them to be costly.
The price of a rare 1895 PR 67 proof Indian head penny is approximately $3,500 to $4,000. However, one of those pieces in perfect condition reached $10,350 at auction in 2008.
1895 Indian Head Penny Variations
You can find all Indian head penny versions minted in three colors, brown, brown-red, and red. These diff shades resulted from the bronze percentage in coins minted after 1859.
Coins issued from 1859 to 1864 contained 88% copper, while the rest of the alloy was nickel. On the other hand, coins produced between 1864 and 1909 consisted of 95% copper with added tin and zinc. Those differences resulted in three different color variations, affecting these pennies’ value.
To make things more complicated, not the value of all 1895 Indian head pennies is affected by color. It is valid just for the ones having high uncirculated grades. Those in red color are always most costly.
Brown penny
The brown penny in the mint state is worth about $40. You can get more only for perfect coins, but even the 1895 MS 65 brown Indian head penny price won’t go over $170.
Red-brown penny
Red-brown pieces are more appreciated, and you need to set aside about $45 for one in MS 60 condition. On the other hand, the most quality MS 66 specimen will be worth $775.
Red penny
As you can expect, red pennies are precious, particularly in the highest grades. For instance, you can get $525 for the 1895 MS 64 red Indian head penny, while the price of an MS 65 piece goes up to $900.
Be prepared that tiny details will make a difference worth thousands of dollars. While the 1895 MS 66 Indian is worth $2,300, an MS 67 red specimen can reach even $27,000 at auction. Such one coin was sold for more than $40,000 in 2006.
1895 Indian Head Penny Grading
The collectible coin condition is crucial for coin collectors, and even the slightest defect or loss of color and shine can affect the final price. Therefore, looking more closely into the 1895 Indian head penny value, you need to consider its quality and preservation level.
Uncirculated – This coin is the most valuable because it wasn’t used, and its luster, texture, and form have stayed intact over time. You can’t see any traces of wear and tear on its surface, making it an excellent collectible piece.
Indian head penny |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Good | Fine | Extra fine | Uncirculated | |
| Indian head penny by Coinflation | ||||
| 1895 | $0.7 to $ 1 | $2 to $2.5 | $6 to 6.5 | $28+ |
| Indian head penny by JM Bullion | ||||
| 1895 | $3 | $5 | $15 | $25 |
| Indian head penny by CoinStudy | ||||
| 1895 | $1.3 | $2.3 | $6 | $36 |
Extra fine – Since such a coin spent limited time in circulation, you can see that all design parts are still defined. Only the highest points are a bit flattened, but the writing on the headband is legible, and the hair strands are still clearly separated.
Fine – This coin spent years in use, so you can notice that it is visibly worn out with many flattened details.
You can recognize the word LIBERTY, and the ribbon is still separated from Liberty’s hair, although it is pretty smooth. As you can guess, collectors often avoid such a piece because they have affordable better options.
1895 Indian head penny value* |
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| Quality | Price |
| Good | $1.6 |
| Very good | $2.4 |
| Fine | $3.8 |
| Very fine | $4.7 |
| Extra fine | $12.4 |
| Uncirculated | $33.2 |
| BU brown | $160 |
| BU red-brown | $380 |
| BU red | $950 |
*by Hobbizine
Good – A penny in this grade is the least expensive since it was in circulation for a long time. You will notice that it has lost its luster and typically has scratches on the surface. Even though their value is a little or nothing, collectors on the budget will appreciate such a coin.
Summary
The 1895 Indian head pennies were produced in one mint, Philadelphia. Even though most of them are abundant and cheap, they are collectible, and many collectors want to possess these pieces.
You should pay particular attention to red and brown-red pieces since their rarity makes them more desirable than regular coins struck the same year.
