The 1872 Indian Head Penny is considered the rarest in the Indian Head series. There were only 4 million minted and estimates approximate that there are just 5,000 still in existence today. For collectors, this one cent coin is a prized part of any collection.
The Indian Head was only the second design to grace the one cent coin. It replaced the Flying Eagle design in 1859 and continued to be used for decades. The face of the coin features the profile of the goddess Liberty. She has flowing hair and is wearing an Indian chief headdress. The designer, James Barton Longacre, chose this adornment to pay homage to the early days of America.
The reverse side of the coin is struck with an oak wreath and topped with a shield. Previous designs have a laurel wreath, but this was replaced in favor of the more American oak leaf. The words “ONE CENT” are written in all caps and placed in the middle of the wreath. The 1872 Indian Head Penny can be found in three different colors or shades, including red, red-brown and brown.
What is an 1872 Indian Head Penny Worth?
For this year, there are two different variations. In one version the “N” in One Cent has a shallow strike. In the other, the “N” is much bolder, Despite this difference, the pricing of both coins is generally the same. A coin in good condition is worth around $100 while an uncirculated version can net $700.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1872
Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 4,042,000
Metal content: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Face value: One Cent
Weight: 3.11 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Barton Longacre
Diameter: 19 millimeters