The 1879 Indian Head Penny is worth anywhere from $8 in worn condition to over $1,200 in pristine mint state. If you have stumbled upon one of these copper treasures in a drawer or a piggy bank, you are holding a piece of Post-Civil War American history that collectors still highly prize.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $8 – $10 |
| Fine (F-12) | $18 – $25 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $45 – $60 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60+) | $120 – $1,200+ |
Understanding the History of the 1879 Indian Head Penny
The year 1879 was a significant time in the United States, and the pennies minted during this era reflect the growing economy of a nation in transition. If you are trying to identify this coin, using the best coin identifier app can help you confirm the date and variety instantly. This coin belongs to the “Small Cent” category, which replaced the burdensome Large Cents in the mid-19th century.
Designed by James B. Longacre, the 1879 Indian Head Penny doesn’t actually feature a Native American. Instead, it depicts Lady Liberty wearing a traditional Native American headdress. This design was meant to symbolize liberty and freedom. By 1879, the United States Mint in Philadelphia was the sole producer of these coins, meaning you won’t find any mint marks (like “S” or “O”) on them.
When evaluating your coin, the first thing to check is the clarity of the word “LIBERTY” on the headband. During this era, copper was the primary metal used, consisting of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. Because copper reacts with oxygen, the color of your coin—ranging from brown to bright red—will play a massive role in determining its final market price. Using tools like CoinHix can provide a visual reference for these color variations.
Determining the Grade and Condition of Your 1879 Penny
The “grade” of a coin is the most important factor in its valuation. Most 1879 pennies found today are in “Good” or “Very Good” condition, meaning they have seen significant circulation. A coin in Good condition will have a flat appearance, with the details of the feathers and the headband worn down.
If you can see the distinct lines in the feathers and parts of the word “LIBERTY,” your coin moves into the “Fine” or “Extremely Fine” category. These coins are much rarer because most pennies in the 1870s were used daily for small purchases like newspapers or bread. Finding one that escaped heavy wear is a treat for any collector.
For those lucky enough to find a coin with its original luster, you are looking at an “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” piece. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are usually required for these high-value items. You can check the latest 1879 Indian Head Penny MS-RD market rates to see how much a “Red” designated coin can fetch at auction.
| Grade Description | Visual Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | Heavily worn; outlines are visible but details are flat. |
| Fine (F-12) | Letters in LIBERTY are worn but legible. Feathers show detail. |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | Trace wear on highest points; some mint luster remains. |
| Mint State (MS-63+) | No wear; full details and original orange-red copper color. |
Key Varieties and Errors to Watch For
While the 1879 Indian Head Penny doesn’t have as many famous errors as the 1873 or 1888 issues, collectors still look for specific anomalies. The most common things to look for are “re-punched dates” or “doubled dies.” A re-punched date (RPD) occurs when the date was punched into the die more than once, leaving a faint shadow or ghost image of the numbers.
Another interesting aspect is the “Double Star” variety, often discussed in specialized numismatic circles. While rare, these errors can double or triple the value of the coin. If you suspect your coin has a strange doubling effect on the lettering or the date, it is worth consulting a professional. CoinHix allows you to upload high-resolution photos to help identify these subtle minting mistakes.
Errors are often found by people who take the time to look at their change under a magnifying glass. Even a small “clip” in the planchet (the metal disk the coin is stamped on) can make a common penny worth a lot more to an error collector. Always handle your coins by the edges to avoid getting finger oils on these potentially valuable surfaces.
The Impact of Color on Penny Pricing
In the world of copper coins, color is everything. Grading services categorize uncirculated 1879 pennies into three color groups: Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD). A “Red” coin is one that still looks fresh from the mint, retaining at least 95% of its original copper brilliance. These are the most expensive.
A “Brown” coin has oxidized naturally over the last 140+ years. While many collectors find the chocolate-brown patina of an old Indian Head Penny beautiful, it generally sells for less than a bright red specimen. For context, an 1879 Penny in MS65 Red can sell for thousands, while an MS65 Brown might only reach a fraction of that.
Knowing these nuances is key to understanding the historical performance of Indian Head cent prices. While the 1879 is not the rarest date in the series—over 16 million were minted—it is much harder to find in high grades compared to coins from the late 1890s.
| Color Designation | Typical Price Range (MS-63 Grade) |
|---|---|
| Brown (BN) | $145 – $165 |
| Red-Brown (RB) | $185 – $225 |
| Red (RD) | $650 – $800+ |
Why the 1879 Indian Head Penny is a Great Investment
If you are looking to start a coin collection, the 1879 issue is an excellent jumping-off point. It sits in a “sweet spot” of affordability and age. Unlike the 1877 penny, which can cost thousands even in poor condition, the 1879 is accessible to the average person. However, it is still old enough to feel like a “real” antique.
Over the last decade, the value of early Indian Head pennies has remained relatively stable, with high-grade examples seeing steady growth. This makes them a “safe” buy for new collectors. When you are ready to sell or trade, using an app like CoinHix can help you track the current market demand so you don’t sell your treasure for less than it’s worth.
Remember that “eye appeal” matters just as much as the technical grade. A coin with smooth, chocolate surfaces and no distracting scratches will often sell for more than a technically higher-graded coin with an ugly mark. Collectors pay for beauty, history, and the story the coin tells about 19th-century America.
Where to Buy and Sell Your 1879 Pennies
When you’re ready to buy or sell, you have several options. Local coin shops are great for immediate appraisals, though they often offer “wholesale” prices so they can resell the coin for a profit. Online auctions like eBay are popular, but you must be careful about counterfeit coins or cleaned specimens that lose their value.
Another great way to manage your collection is through digital tools. Using CoinHix allows you to keep a digital inventory of what you own, which is incredibly helpful for insurance purposes or when showing your collection to fellow enthusiasts. Always look for reputable dealers who are members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA).
Finally, never clean your coins! This is the number one mistake beginners make. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or a cloth removes the microscopic layer of metal and patina, which instantly destroys up to 90% of its collector value. A dirty, authentic 1879 penny is always worth more than a shiny, scrubbed one.
| Selling Channel | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local Coin Shop | Instant cash, expert advice. | Lower payout than retail. |
| eBay / Online | Access to many buyers. | Fees and shipping risks. |
| Major Auctions | Best for high-value Red coins. | High commission fees. |
FAQ
Q: Is there a mint mark on the 1879 Indian Head Penny?
A: No, all 1879 Indian Head Pennies were minted at the Philadelphia Mint. At that time, Philadelphia did not use a mint mark on pennies. If you see a mint mark, the coin might be a different year or a counterfeit.
Q: What makes an 1879 penny rare?
A: While the total mintage was over 16 million, finding one in “Mint State” (uncirculated) condition with its original red color is very rare. Most were heavily used in daily commerce and are now extremely worn.
Q: How can I tell if my 1879 penny is authentic?
A: Authentic coins will weigh approximately 3.11 grams and have a diameter of 19mm. Verification using a high-quality coin app or a professional dealer is recommended to ensure the date hasn’t been altered.
Q: Should I get my 1879 penny graded?
A: You should only consider professional grading (PCGS/NGC) if your coin appears to be in Uncirculated condition (showing no wear) or if you believe it is a significant error variety. For worn coins worth under $50, the cost of grading usually exceeds the coin’s value.
