Ned Ludd Coins » 1890 Indian Head Penny Value: are “O”, “S”, “CC”, No mint mark worth money?

1890 Indian Head Penny Value: are “O”, “S”, “CC”, No mint mark worth money?

The Indian Head Penny, also known as the Indian Head Cent, is a one-cent coin produced by the United States Bureau of the Mint from 1859 to 1909.

It is one of the most affordable and readily available coins to collect, making it have a high demand amongst collectors.

If you hold one of these or are curious about this coin’s value, reading this article will help you learn everything you need to know in a highly detailed way to guide your decisions if you choose to collect or sell your collection of this specific coin.

1890 Indian Head Penny Details

  • Category: Historic US Coin
  • Mints: Philadelphia, Omaha, San Francisco, Carson City
  • Total Mintage: 57,182,854
  • Face Value: $0.01
  • Obverse Designer: James B. Longacre
  • Reverse Designer: James B. Longacre
  • Edge: Plain
  • Shape: Circular
  • Diameter: 19mm
  • Thickness: 1.55mm
  • Composition: Copper (95%), and Tin and Zinc (5%)
  • Total weight: 3.11 grams

1890 Indian Head Penny Value Chart

Mint Mark Good Fine Extra Fine Uncirculated
1890 No Mint Mark Indian Head Penny $3 $5 $10 $20
1890 “O” (Omaha) Indian Head Penny $4 $6 $12 $25
1890 “S” (San Francisco) Indian Head Penny $5 $8 $15 $30
1890 “CC” (Carson City) Indian Head Penny $10 $15 $30 $50

1890 Indian Head Penny Value and Varieties Guide

1890 No Mint Mark Indian Head Penny

1890 No Mint Mark Indian Head Penny
Image Credit: usacoinbook
  • Type: Indian Head Penny
  • Edge: Plain
  • Mint Mark: No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint)
  • Place of Minting: Philadelphia Mint, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Year of Minting: 1890
  • Face Value: $0.01
  • Price: $3 – $10
  • Quantity Produced: 39,710,000
  • Designer: James B. Longacre

The absence of a mint mark on the 1890 Indian Head penny is significant because it indicates that the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. In the late 19th century, the Philadelphia Mint was the only U.S. Mint facility that did not use a mint mark to identify its produced coins.

Coins produced at other U.S. Mint facilities, such as the San Francisco and Carson City Mints, had a mint mark letter punched into the coin to indicate the facility where it was produced. A mint mark can affect a coin’s value, as some coins are considered rare or desirable based on where they were struck.

So, the lack of a mint mark on the 1890 Indian Head penny signifies that it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint and is a common issue. While it is an appealing coin with historical significance, this mint issue is not considered a rare or valuable coin in terms of its numismatic value. However, an MS65-graded Indian Head penny can be reportedly auctioned for about $1,150.

1890 “O” (Omaha) Indian Head Penny

  • Edge: Plain
  • Mint Mark: “O”
  • Place of Minting: United States Mint in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • Year of Minting: 1890
  • Face Value: $0.01
  • Price: $4 – $25
  • Quantity: 1,140,000
  • Designer: James B. Longacre.

The 1890 “O” Indian Head penny is a one-cent coin minted by the United States Mint in Omaha, Nebraska. The “O” refers to the mint mark, which indicates that it was minted in Omaha

Coins produced at different mints can have subtle differences in design, strike, and overall appearance, which either boosts their worth or doesn’t. The 1890 “O” Indian Head penny is a rarer issue due to its minting area and lesser quantity, which makes it more valuable to collectors.

The 1890 “O” Indian Head penny was made with the standard metal composition for all Indian Head pennies produced from 1864 to 1909; 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.

It’s important to note that the condition of a coin can significantly affect its value, so a well-preserved 1890 “O” Indian Head penny will generally be more valuable than a heavily worn or damaged one.

1890 “S” (San Francisco) Indian Head Penny

  • Edge: Plain
  • Mint Mark: “S”
  • Place of Minting: United States Mint in San Francisco, California.
  • Year of Minting: 1890
  • Face Value: $0.01
  • Price: $5 – $30
  • Quantity: 4,520,000
  • Designer: James B. Longacre

The 1890-S Indian Head Penny is considered a key date coin in the Indian Head Penny series, minted from 1859 to 1909.

This particular coin is considered rare and valuable due to its low mintage, and it is a sought-after coin for collectors and investors. Additionally, many of the 1890-S pennies that were minted are thought to have been lost, damaged, or worn over time, further adding to their scarcity.

Because of its rarity and historical significance, the 1890-S Indian Head Penny can command high prices, especially in good condition.

Additionally, because it was minted in San Francisco, it is also unique in terms of its geographic origin compared to other Indian Head Pennies.

1890 “CC” (Carson City) Indian Head Penny

  • Type: Indian Head Penny
  • Edge: Plain
  • Mint Mark: “CC” (Carson City)
  • Place of Minting: United States Mint in Carson City, Nevada
  • Year of Minting: 1890
  • Face Value: 1 cent
  • Price: $10 – $50
  • Quantity Produced: 20,000
  • Designer: James B. Longacre

The 1890 “CC” (Carson City) Indian Head Penny was minted during a time of significant change and growth in the United States.

It is also considered unique by collectors and numismatists because it was minted at the United States Mint in Carson City, Nevada— a place that produced a limited number of coins during this period. This rarity makes the coin more valuable to collectors and historians alike.

At some point, there was a high demand for “CC” minted coins, and the 1890 “CC” Indian Head penny has always been in demand due to its insufficient quantity.

If well-preserved, this coin can command a premium price, as coins in excellent condition are highly sought after by collectors, and this is no exception.

Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Worth Money

History Of The 1890 Indian Head Penny

 

History Of The 1890 Indian Head Penny
Image Credit: pcgs

The Indian Head Penny, also known as the Indian Head Cent, was a one-cent coin produced by the United States Mint in Philadelphia, Omaha, San Francisco, and Carson City from 1859 to 1909.

James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver at the US Mint during that time, designed the coin.

The coin was introduced when there was a transition in coinage. Before the Indian Head Penny, the United States used the “Flying Eagle” cent, which struck from 1856 to 1858.

The Indian Head Penny was the first small-sized cent coin produced by the US Mint and was part of a significant effort to modernize American coinage.

The design of the Indian Head Penny features the profile of a Native American wearing a feather headdress on the obverse (front) side of the coin. This image itself is highly controversial, as some sources claim that it wasn’t an actual Native American but a Caucasian woman, more specifically, the designer’s daughter— Sarah Longacre.

The coin’s reverse side features an oak wreath and the denomination “ONE CENT” within a circle. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear above the wreath, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Latin for “Out of Many, One”) appears below.

The Indian Head Penny was produced using a bronze (copper, tin, and zinc) composition, which was more durable and less susceptible to wear than the previous copper-based coins.

This change in composition helped to increase the coin’s lifespan and prevented it from becoming too worn to be used as currency.

The production of the Indian Head Penny continued until 1909 when the Lincoln Cent replaced it.

During its 50-year production run, the Indian Head Penny saw several changes to its design, including changes to the wreath on the reverse side of the coin and modifications to the feather headdress on the obverse side. Despite these changes, the basic design of the Indian Head Penny remained essentially unchanged throughout its production.

Today, the Indian Head Penny is a popular coin among collectors and enthusiasts. The coin’s historical significance and striking design have made it a sought-after item among numismatists (coin collectors).

Many examples of the Indian Head Penny are still in circulation and can be found in coin collections and at coin dealers across the country, so if you’re interested in exploring this beautiful piece, you might want to start from your local coin dealership.

Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable Old Pennies Worth Money (Penny Collection)

1890 Indian Head Penny Grading

The grading of an 1890 Indian Head penny depends on its condition and preservation and if there are any unique errors.

Here are some common grading standards to guide you:

  • Good (G-4): A heavily worn coin with all lettering and details partially visible but with some flattening design elements.
  • Fine (F-12): A coin that is moderately worn with all lettering and most details visible but with some merging of design elements.
  • Very Fine (VF-20): A lightly worn coin with clear lettering and details, but with some slightly merging design elements.
  • Extremely Fine (EF-40): A coin with only slight wear, and all details are sharp and well-defined.
  • About Uncirculated (AU-50 to 55): A coin that has no wear but may have some contact marks or other imperfections, with overall design and surface preservation remaining strong.
  • Uncirculated (MS-60 to 70): A coin that shows no signs of wear and has very few, if any, surface marks or other imperfections, with a sharp, well-preserved overall appearance.

Note that these are general guidelines, and the proper grading of a coin can also be influenced by factors such as strike quality, luster, and errors, among others. You should watch the video below for more insight.

If, however, you want a more accurate assessment of the grading of your 1890 Indian Head penny, it’s best to have it appraised by a professional coin grader.

1890 Indian Head Penny Errors

Double Strike

Double Strike

One of the most prevalent errors in the 1890 Indian Head Penny is the double strike. Simply put, a double strike occurs when the coin is struck twice during the minting process, thus resulting in two details appearing on the coin.

The amazing part about having a coin with an error is that they’re usually sold at premium prices. For example, the double-struck 1890 Indian Head Penny will sell at around $500 – $2,000.

For further reference, watch the video below.

If you have an 1890 Indian Head Penny that you believe has an error, it is recommended that you have it evaluated by a professional numismatist or coin dealer. They can help determine the coin’s value based on its condition and rarity.

FAQs

1. What is the composition of the 1890 Indian Head Penny?

The 1890 Indian Head Penny is made of copper and nickel.

2. How much is an 1890 Indian Head Penny worth?

The value of an 1890 Indian Head Penny can vary depending on its condition and mint mark, but on average, it is worth around $10 to $20.

3. How many 1890 Indian Head Pennies were minted?

The total mintage for the 1890 Indian Head Penny is 57,182,854 coins.

4. How can I determine the condition of my 1890 Indian Head Penny?

The condition of a coin is typically determined by its grade, which is a measure of its preservation and appearance. The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale is a commonly used system, with grades ranging from Poor (P-1) to Mint State-70 (MS-70).

5. Where can I sell my 1890 Indian Head Penny?

There are several options for selling a coin, including coin dealers, coin shops, online marketplaces, and auctions. It’s a good idea to research and compare different options to find the one that works best for you.

Conclusion

While you may think of coins as outdated and old-fashioned, it’ll surprise you to know that quite a lot of them still have incredible value.

The 1890 Indian Head Penny is historically significant and valuable, depending on its rarity and grade.

Before collecting or selling one, it is vital to carry out a professional grading test to grade it accurately.

Also, remember not to “clean” your coins as they reduce instead of increasing their value.

Leave a Comment