While the 1875 Indian Head Penny was produced in larger numbers than previous years, it is still a relatively scarce coin today. It is hard to find coins from this year that weren’t circulated and are in mint condition.
Design Details for the 1875 Indian Head Penny
By 1875, the US one cent coin had been donning the Indian Head motif for 16 years and during that time, there hadn’t been any major changes to the design. The face of the coin still features the profile of the goddess Liberty wearing an Indian chief headdress, which had first been introduced in 1859. The reverse side of the coin is marked by a shield and oak wreath that surrounds the words “One Cent.”
Theories Surrounding the 1875 Indian Head Penny
Legend has it that an employee at the mint was suspected of stealing coins. To try and catch the culprit, his dies were replaced with one that would create a slightly raised dot located on the reverse side. It isn’t entirely clear whether this is myth or fact, but if you come across one cent coins from this year, it is worth taking a closer look for this distinguishing detail.
Value of 1875 Indian Head Penny
While prices will vary, you can expect that a 1875 Indian Head Penny in average condition will be valued at around $20. A coin in mint condition can go for almost $300, making it one of the most valuable one cent coins.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1875
Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 13,528,000
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