1865 Indian Head Penny Value.

Design of 1865 Indian Head Penny

The Indian Head Penny was designed by James B. Longacre, the fourth Chief Engraver of the US Mint.

Let’s take a brief look at the obverse and reverse designs of the coin -

The obverse of the Indian Head Penny depicts Lady Liberty as she wears a traditional Native American headdress. The headdress has a band attached to it that bears the inscriptions of “LIBERTY” and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” that are encircled around the head. The minting date of the coin is engraved below Lady Liberty’s neck. However, this imagery still receives criticism for its portrayal of a caucasian woman in traditional Native American attire.

The Indian Head Penny’s reverse design was changed in 1860. The original design featured a wreath that was tied in a bow towards the bottom and the words “ONE CENT” inscribed in its center, while the editions post-1860 saw a presidential seal added to the top part of the wreath, with the San Francisco Mint’s “S” mintmark representing it below the wreath on the coin.

1865 Indian Head Penny Specifications and Composition

Now that we have understood the designs of the Indian Cent, let’s take a look at the specific features of the 1865 edition of the coin -

• Designer: James Barton Longacre
• Edge: Plain
• Diameter: 19.00 millimeters
• Weight: 3.11 grams
• Mintage: 35,429,286
• Mint: Philadelphia
• Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc

Did You Know?

The 1865 Indian Head Penny is unique because it was minted during the final year of the American Civil War.

1865 Indian Head Penny Value

When you have to determine the value of your 1865 Indian Head Penny, you have to pay attention to the factors that contribute to the grade and condition of the coin. The coins that have been preserved the closest to their original condition generally can fetch high prices, while the coins that have been worn down due to circulation tend to have lower prices than the well-preserved ones.

Based on the condition and grade of the coin, the 1865 Indian Head penny value can range from $10 to $65.

Grading the 1865 Indian Head Penny

When you are grading the Indian Head Penny, or any other coin for that matter, you have to play close attention to its condition. As these coins were struck decades ago, they tend to possess heavy wear that is a result of excessive circulation.

Coins that have been given this grade imply that they have never been circulated and have been preserved in the same condition after minting. These grade coins of the 1865 Indian Head Penny are quite rare and are the most valuable coins of the lot.

---

The Extremely Fine graded Indian Heads are the closest grade to the Uncirculated editions, though there are a few imperfections from its mint state that exist due to light circulation of the coins. Still, these coins tend to be quite attractive and possess relatively no changes to their finer details.

---

The coins that receive the Fine grade portray heavy sins of wear due to their circulation. The main aspect to keep an eye out for is the color of the coin, which tends to have faded away, while the coin has a dull feel to it. However, the major details of the coin can be identified without having to strain your eyes too much.

---

The coins that fall under this grade have been heavily worn due to their excessive circulation. There are scratches that appear on either side of the coin, which makes the central imagery of the coin difficult to identify.

Based on the determined grades above here are the different values of 1865 Indian head penny. The table below will give you an understanding of the prices of the coins with their grades -