As one of the most sought-after coin series in the world, the Indian Head penny is marked by its unique design. Featuring Lady Liberty wearing a traditional Native American headdress adorned with ‘Liberty,’ and a beautiful oak wreath and shield surrounding the One Cent mark on the reverse, the 1908 Indian Head penny is highly collectible. Due to its popularity across the globe, many collectors are on the lookout for this late-series Indian Head penny.
Indian Head Penny Superstitions
According to superstition, Indian Head pennies bring their owner’s good luck, as referenced in Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Jem mentions to Scout that these coins have “strong magic.” One superstition states that by hanging an Indian Head penny over an entryway, one can ward off uninvited guests off their property. While the penny may not actually keep strangers at bay, the tall tale is indicative of the coin’s mark on U.S. culture.
1908 Indian Head Penny Values
With major changes underway in the U.S. Mint, the 1908 Indian Head penny production was one-third of the previous year's mintage in Philadelphia. Still, with over thirty million coins produced, a mint condition 1908 Indian Head penny can be worth up to forty dollars. The average cost for a 1908 Indian head penny is a few dollars - but these coins have lasted for over a century, making them an important piece of minting history.
Type of coin: Penny
Year: 1908
Mint Mark: No mint mark
Total mintage: 32,326,000
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