The 1907 Indian Head Penny is not the rarest American coin, but it's one of the coolest and most affordable issues in American numismatic history. Brash in appearance, fascinating in background, and with a surprisingly broad range of values, this penny is perfect for novices and thrilling for experts.
Coins in good condition are extremely sought after by collectors and can command a premium price, so condition is of value to the coin. The 1907 Indian Head Penny is also more than a century old, and this makes it historic as well.
Throughout this book, we're going to demonstrate to you what you must know about the 1907 one cent penny, from history and value, through special issues and starting your collection (or upgrading it). Whatever you must know about investing in coins, or want to know about your old penny having any value to it, then you've found the right place.
The Indian Head penny is a most sought-after coin among collectors because of its rich history that spans 1859. James Barton Longacre, who was the Chief Engraver of the Philadelphia Mint, designed the Indian Head cent. Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress appears on the obverse side of the Indian Head penny while the reverse side features an oak wreath.
Indian Head series of pennies, to which the 1907 Indian Head cent belongs, is the most beautiful and symbolic series of coins in US currency history. With its exclusive design and its historical importance, the Indian Head cent is a must-have part of most collections of coins nowadays. Emphasizing its design and value is boldly inscribed on the coin's reverse face, the face value 'ONE CENT'.
The Indian Head Penny came into circulation in 1859. It replaced the short-lived Flying Eagle Cent, which had problems with the coin strike and didn’t last long. James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time, was chosen to design the new coin. The Flying Eagle Cent had issues with the striking process, which led to its replacement by the Indian Head Penny.
The first version had a laurel wreath on the back. By 1860, this changed to a more detailed oak wreath with a Union shield on top. That’s the version you’ll find on the 1907 Indian Head Penny. The date on the 1907 Indian Head Penny is located just below Liberty's neck, a key design feature that collectors look for.
Early Indian Head pennies were made of copper-nickel. These were thicker and lighter in color—often called “white cents.” But during the Civil War, metal prices rose and coin hoarding became common. The economy during the Civil War influenced this change, as economic conditions led to increased metal prices and scarcity. So in 1864, the U.S. Mint switched the penny’s composition to 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc—the bronze we know today.
Over time, wear and tear can significantly affect the coin's value, making well-preserved examples more desirable.
In the same year, a small “L” was added to Liberty’s headband. This marked Longacre’s design and made some 1864 coins extra collectible.
Most Indian Head pennies were made in Philadelphia, which used no mint mark. In 1908 and 1909, some were produced in San Francisco and marked with an “S.” But if you have a 1907 one cent penny, it came from the Philadelphia facility, the exclusive location for minting that year.
The year 1907 was huge for U.S. coinage.
108 million Indian Head pennies were struck—more than any other year in the series. This large number of coins produced in 1907 was due to increased cent production to meet demand.
The U.S. was seeing major economic shifts. The Panic of 1907 caused banks to crash, but the demand for small change like pennies actually went up due to increased cent production.
More products were being sold for just one cent, and coin-operated machines were becoming popular.
Immigration hit a record high, increasing the demand for low-value coins like the penny.
So even though the 1907 penny isn’t rare in lower grades, it’s a snapshot of a big moment in American economic history. Collectors' willingness to pay for these coins was influenced by their historical significance and the economic conditions of the time.
Obverse (front):A profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress. The word “LIBERTY” appears on the headband. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” circles the top. The date “1907” appears at the bottom, just below Liberty’s neck.
Reverse (back):The back features an oak wreath with a small shield at the top and the words “ONE CENT” in bold Center-aligned characters, prominently placed within the oak wreath. At the bottom, three arrows are tied by a ribbon. Lastly, the complete information of the design, including the oak wreath and the small shield, adds to the coin's Cultural importance.
Material: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (bronze)
Weight: 3.11 grams
Diameter: 19 mm (about ¾ inch)
Edge: Plain
Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia only)
The value of a 1907 Indian Head Penny depends on its condition, color, and whether it has any special varieties or mistakes. The coin's condition is critical to recognizing its value. While heavily used pennies may be worth just a few dollars, rare uncirculated or proof versions can be worth thousands.
You can expect the price to vary to a large extent depending on the coin's state and uniqueness, with lower grades fetching modest amounts and mint state conditions selling at higher prices.
Evaluating the price of the coin can help collectors make informed purchasing decisions, as fluctuations in collector interest and market Situations can substantially alter the price of coins.
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $2 – $3 |
| Fine (F-12) | $4 – $5 |
| Very Fine (VF) | $6 – $10 |
| Extra Fine (XF) | $10 – $15 |
| About Unc. (AU) | $20 – $35 |
These are general market values for regular 1907 one cent pennies that have seen some wear. Coins in good condition can have a much lower value compared to those in uncirculated or higher grades.
For example, higher-grade specimens like those in About Uncirculated (AU) condition are much rarer and more valuable compared to more common, lower-grade examples.
Mint State coins are uncirculated and graded from MS-60 to MS-70. Their value also depends on color:
BN (Brown): Most common; aged copper.
RB (Red-Brown): Some original red remains.
RD (Red): Bright, original red — most valuable. Fully red gems are extremely rare and command a premium price at auctions.
| Grade | Brown (BN) | Red-Brown (RB) | Red (RD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS-60 | $40 | $95 | $175 |
| MS-63 | $60–$75 | $150–$200 | $250–$300 |
| MS-65 | $150–$400 | $200–$700 | $700–$2,200+ |
| MS-66 | $400–$900 | $1,000+ | Up to $5,000 |
| MS-67 | Rare | Very Rare | $20,000–$63,000+ |
An MS-67+ RD 1907 Indian Head Penny once sold for $63,000 at auction, highlighting the premium value of rare, high-grade examples.
Proof coins were specially made for collectors. Only 1,475 proof pennies were minted in 1907. These coins are shinier, more detailed, and made using polished dies.
| Grade | Red-Brown (RB) | Red (RD) |
|---|---|---|
| PF-63 | $275 – $400 | – |
| PF-65 | ~$675 – $700 | $1,900 – $5,000+ |
| PF-67 | Rare | $3,750 – $23,000+ |
Ultra Cameo proofs (with frosted designs and mirror backgrounds) are extremely rare and command even higher premiums.
Not all 1907 pennies are created equal. Some have mint errors or rare die varieties that increase their value. Variations in the striking process can lead to such errors, including die cud. Collectors should look for signs of wear and errors to assess the coin’s rarity and value. Attending a coin show can provide collectors with opportunities to find rare varieties and errors of the 1907 Indian Head Penny.
Die Cud: A chunk of the die breaks off, leaving a raised blob on the rim. Worth: $50–$150.
Repunched Date (RPD): The date was struck more than once. Some varieties are worth $100–$250+.
Misplaced Date (MPD): Digits appear slightly off or show up in odd places on the coin.
Doubled Die (DDO/DDR): Letters or details look doubled. Worth: $150–$500+ in higher grades.
Broadstrike: The coin was struck without a proper collar and appears stretched or off-center.
Planchet Errors: Thin or peeling planchets make the coin look warped. Rare, value depends on severity.
Special varieties are often cataloged by “Snow numbers,” such as Snow-16 or Snow-23, named after expert Rick Snow.
The market for Indian Head cents is highly competitive, with collectors and investors seeking to add these rare coins to their collections. The demand for Indian Head cents, particularly the 1907 Indian Head cent, has remained steady over the years, driven by their historical significance and limited production. According to Heritage Auctions, a leading auction house, the 1907 Indian Head cent is one of the most popular coins among collectors, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the coin’s condition and grade. The eBay Partner Network also reports a high demand for Indian Head cents, with many sellers offering these coins for sale on the platform. While the Indian Head penny is beloved, the Lincoln penny, introduced in 1909, is often deemed the most popular among collectors.
Sharp details on Liberty’s feathers and the word “LIBERTY.”
Full, original red color for the highest value.
Error coins like doubled dies or repunched dates.
Clean surfaces free of scratches, spots, or cleaning marks.
Look for signs of wear; a lack of signs of wear along with the presence of luster is crucial for assessing value.
Examine the texture of the coin to assess its condition; uncirculated pieces retain their original texture and imagery, while lower grades show signs of wear that diminish textural details.
Don’t clean old pennies—this can ruin their value. Collectors prefer coins with natural aging (called patina or toning).
Use coin flips, capsules, or holders made from safe materials (like Mylar). Keep your collection in a cool, dry place.
If you think your 1907 Indian Head Penny might be valuable, it’s smart to get it professionally graded. Two trusted grading companies are:
They’ll grade your coin, certify it, and seal it in a protective case. This adds value and helps if you ever want to sell it.
Proper preservation and care are essential for maintaining the condition and value of your Indian Head Pennies. Here are some tips to help you keep your coins in good condition:
1. Handle with Care: Always handle your Indian Head pennies with clean, dry hands to prevent oils from your skin from damaging the coin’s surface. Consider using cotton gloves for added protection.
2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your coins in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause damage to the metal and surfaces of the coins.
3. Use Acid-Free Materials: Store your Indian Head pennies in acid-free materials, such as coin albums or folders, to prevent damage. Avoid using PVC-based holders, as they can release harmful chemicals over time.
4. Avoid Touching the Surface: Try not to touch the surface of the coin, as oils from your skin can cause damage and reduce the coin’s value. Hold the coin by its edges instead.
5. Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your coins to identify any potential issues before they become major problems. Look for signs of wear, corrosion, or other damage.
6. Professional Grading and Certification: Consider having your Indian Head pennies professionally graded and certified to ensure their authenticity and value. Graded coins are sealed in protective cases, which can help preserve their condition.
7. Secure Storage: Store your coins in a secure location, such as a safe or a lockbox, to protect them from theft or loss. Ensure that the storage environment is stable and free from potential hazards.
8. Avoid Cleaning: Do not clean your coins, as this can damage their surfaces and reduce their value. Collectors prefer coins with natural aging, known as patina or toning.
By following these preservation and care tips, you can help ensure that your Indian Head pennies remain in good condition and retain their value over time.
Red Book – Official Guide Book of U.S. Coins
PCGS CoinFacts – Photos, population data, auction records
NGC Coin Explorer – Similar to PCGS, with variety info
IndianVarieties.com – Detailed listings of Indian Head Penny varieties and errors
American Numismatic Association (ANA) – Education and collector tools
Use these trusted resources to discover valuable information about the 1907 Indian Head Penny.
One of the most notable specimens of the 1907 Indian Head cent is the fully red gem, which is highly prized among collectors for its vibrant color and excellent condition. In recent years, several high-grade 1907 Indian Head cents have sold for record prices at auction, including a mint state example that sold for over $10,000.
The sale of these rare coins highlights the strong demand for Indian Head cents and the significant value that collectors place on these historic coins. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your collection, the 1907 Indian Head cent is a valuable addition to any coin collection, offering a unique glimpse into America’s rich numismatic history.
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell Indian Head cents, it’s important to approach the process with knowledge and caution. Here are some tips to help you navigate the market:
1. Research the Market: Before making a purchase, research the market to determine a fair price for the coin. Consider factors such as the coin’s condition, rarity, and demand.
2. Consider Condition and Rarity: The condition and rarity of the coin significantly impact its value. Look for coins that have been professionally graded and certified to ensure their authenticity and value.
3. Buy from Reputable Dealers: Purchase your Indian Head cents from reputable dealers or sellers, such as those affiliated with the eBay Partner Network or Heritage Auctions. Check reviews and ratings to ensure the seller’s credibility.
4. Be Cautious Online: When buying coins online, be cautious and make sure to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings before making a purchase. Look for clear and accurate descriptions of the coin’s condition, grade, and any flaws or defects.
5. Professional Grading for Selling: If you’re selling Indian Head cents, consider getting your coins professionally graded and certified. Graded coins often fetch higher prices and are more attractive to buyers.
6. Determine a Fair Price: Research the market to determine a fair price for your coins based on their condition, rarity, and demand. Use auction results and price guides as references.
7. Sell Through Reputable Channels: Consider selling your coins through reputable dealers or auction houses, such as Heritage Auctions. These platforms often attract serious collectors and can help you achieve a better price.
8. Provide Accurate Descriptions: When listing your coins for sale, provide clear and accurate descriptions, including their condition, grade, and any flaws or defects. High-quality photos can also help attract potential buyers.
By following these buying and selling tips, you can help ensure that you get a fair price for your Indian Head cents and build a valuable collection over time. Whether you’re purchasing a new addition or selling a prized piece, knowledge and caution are key to successful transactions.
Absolutely. The 1907 Indian Head Penny is a fun, historical, and potentially valuable coin. Its high mintage makes it easy to find, while its top-grade versions, proofs, and error types offer big rewards for sharp-eyed collectors. Some sellers even offer a 45-day Money Back Guarantee of Satisfaction for the purchase of a 1907 Indian Head Penny, ensuring confidence in the quality of their products.
Whether you’re picking up your first penny or hunting for a rare 1907 one cent penny with a doubled die, there’s something here for everyone. It's important to verify the seller's reputation and do thorough research on the coin's value before making a purchase to ensure a satisfactory transaction.
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