Are you interested in expanding your coin collection with valuable rare finds? Then, the 1908 Indian head penny made from copper is one coin you should consider collecting as there is a booming demand for it in the coin collector’s market. So, what makes the 1908 Indian Head Penny so special?
The 1908 Indian Head Penny has a rare and unique design that proves the artistry and creativity of its time. It signaled the beginning of the end of the Indian Head Penny era, which earned it its spot as a valuable piece of American history.
We’ve packed this article with useful information you’ll need if you’re considering collecting or selling the 1908 Indian Head penny.
1908 Indian Head Penny Detail
- Category: 1908 Indian Head Penny
- Mint: Philadelphia and San-Francisco
- Total Mintage: 33,442,987
- Obverse Designer: James B. Longacre
- Reverse Designer: James B. Longacre
- Edge: plain
- Diameter: 19.05mm
- Thickness: 1.5mm
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc
- Weight: 3.11g
The 1908 Indian Head Penny is a true masterpiece that exemplifies the beauty and artistry of the bygone era. It was minted during a time of great change in American history.
The Obverse
On the obverse of the 1908 Indian Head Penny is a portrait of Lady Liberty, her head adorned with a Native American headdress that bursts with intricate detail. Every feather is etched and defined, lending a sense of realism and movement to the design. On the left of Liberty’s profile is “UNITED STATES,” and on the right is “OF AMERICA.”
The Reverse
On the coin’s reverse, a wreath of oak leaves encircles the coin’s value, with each leaf carefully positioned and defined. A ribbon ties the wreath together, adding extra detail to the design. The words “ONE CENT” are inscribed on the coin’s surface as a reminder of its value and significance.
Apart from Philadelphia-minted coins with no mint marks, there are also Indian Head Pennies minted in the San Francisco mint. These coins have the “S” mint mark on the reverse. It is positioned close to the rim at the bottom of the coin; here, it sits below the bow of the ribbon wrapped around three arrows.
On close observation, you would discover that the 1908 Indian Head Penny has denticles along its rims to help protect the design and prevent it from wearing out quickly. It contains 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
This coin is 19.05mm in diameter and weighs 3.11g, as opposed to the 4.67g weight of older Indian head Pennies from 1857 to 1863. An increase in the price of metals is why the coin’s weight is lower than that of the older Indian pennies.
1908 Indian Head Penny Value Chart |
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Mint mark |
Good |
Fine |
Extremely Fine |
Uncirculated (Mint State) |
| 1908 No Mint Mark Indian Head Penny Value | $2.33 | $5.84 | $11 | $75 |
| 1908 “S” Mint Mark Indian Head Penny Value | $102 | $140 | $198 | $454 |
1908 Indian Head Penny Values and Varieties Guides
For anyone looking to purchase or sell valuable coins without getting ripped, knowledge of the price points and varieties of the 1908 Indian Head Penny is essential. For this reason, we’ve highlighted the different varieties of the 1908 Indian Head Penny available based on mint marks. We also provide guidelines on how to appraise the 1908 Indian Head Penny.
1908 No Mint Mark Indian Head Penny Value
- Type: 1908 Indian Head Penny
- Edge: Plain
- Mint mark: None
- Place of minting: Philadelphia
- Year of minting: 1908
- Face value: $0.01
- Dollar price: $2.33 to $292+
- Quantity produced: 32,326,367
- Designer: James B. Longacre
The No mint mark 1908 Indian Head penny is in common circulation mainly because over 32 million were produced. However, although a staggering quantity is in circulation, many have signs of wear. This includes scratches, dings, or discolorations, which reduces their worth significantly, almost equalling their face value.
However, the 1908 No Mint Mark Indian Head penny value can increase depending on its condition. Coins in better condition, with less wear and tear, are worth more than those heavily worn-out ones.
The coin’s rarity also affects its value. 1908 No Mint Mark Indian Head penny is not considered rare, as it was produced in large quantities. However, certain variations and errors can make a coin more valuable.
As of 2023, a 1908 No Mint Mark Indian Head penny in “good” condition is worth around $2 to $3. However, a coin in “uncirculated” condition can be worth significantly more, with some examples selling for several hundred dollars or more.
A 1908 Indian Head Penny rated AU 58, for instance, sold at auction in August 2002 for $1,380. Recent sales include an MS 66+ RB that went for $1,525 in August 2021 and an MS 67 RD that sold for $33,600 in August 2019.
1908 S Mint Mark Indian Head Penny Value
- Type: 1908 Indian Head Penny
- Edge: Plain
- Mint mark: S
- Place of minting: San Francisco
- Year of minting: 1908
- Face value: $0.01
- Dollar price: $102 to $454+
- Quantity produced:1,115,000
- Designer: James B. Longacre
The San Francisco Mint produced the Indian Head Penny for the first time in 1908. This mint is responsible for producing 1,115,000 of these coins produced, and coins from this mint have been tagged to be significantly higher than that of the No Mint Mark Indian Head Penny. This is because of its rarity.
In January 2009, an MS 66 RB sold for $6,038. More recently, a coin graded MS 66 BN sold for $3,239 in July 2021, while an MS 67 RD, on the other hand, sold at auction in January 2021 for $21,600.
1908 Proof Indian Head Penny Value
- Type: 1908 Indian Head Penny
- Edge: Plain
- Mint mark: None
- Place of minting: Philadelphia
- Year of minting: 1908
- Face value: $0.01
- $ price: $160 to $3,250+
- Quantity produced: 1,620
- Designer: James B. Longacre
The 1908-proof Indian Head penny is rare, with a mintage of only 1,620 coins. These coins were sold directly to collectors by the mint and housed in special cases or sets. The 1908 Indian Head Penny was struck in two different finishes for collectors: Mirror-Like Proof and Matte Proof. The coins have distinct surfaces and sharp, well-defined details.
Here are some approximate values for 1908 proof Indian Head pennies in different grades:
- Proof-60: $160
- Proof-63: $350
- Proof-65: $625
- Proof-67: $3,250
However, several 1908-proof Indian Pennies have been auctioned for higher prices. For instance, a PR 67 RB sold for $4,313 in May 2007, while PR 67 RD went for $17,038 in December 2017. Likewise, a PR 66 CAM sold for $7,800 in August 2019, estimated at $8,500.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Worth Money
1908 Indian Head Penny History
The 1908 Indian Head Penny is a small but significant artifact that captures a moment that was not to be forgotten so soon in American history. It began in the 20th century when the country underwent significant social and economic changes. The Indian Head Penny reflects these changes and depicts a pivotal moment.
At this time, American society and the country were experiencing rapid industrialization, and cities were rapidly developing.
In addition, immigrants were arriving in the United States in record numbers, bringing diverse cultures and traditions that would shape the country’s identity for generations. Not to mention that the federal government was actively pursuing assimilation policies for Native Americans, who had long been subjected to cultural suppression and forced removal from their lands.
The Indian Head Penny design reflects this conflicting cultural moment, with the Native American depiction on the coin’s obverse.
Longacre, a famous and skilled engraver, designed this piece by drawing inspiration from the profile of his daughter, Sarah, who wore a Native American-style headdress for a costume party.
Soon after the design was complete, controversies arose. Critics argued that the Indian Head Penny perpetuated stereotypes of Native Americans as a “vanishing race.” Others praised the coin’s design for its artistic and historical merit.
Another interesting piece of history about the 1908 Indian Head Penny is that it is the first copper coin minted in the San Francisco mint seeing as the San Francisco Mint was established in 1854 during the California Gold Rush and quickly became vital to the United States Mint system.
The mint produced gold coins for circulation and use in international trade, as well as silver coins and a variety of other denominations. Since the production of copper coins at the San Francisco Mint was secondary, the mintage of Indian Head Pennies was relatively low, making them relatively scarce compared to other coins of the era.
Today, the 1908 Indian Head Penny is valuable among coin collectors due to its intricate design and historical significance. In addition, the coin serves as a reminder of the complex cultural and social dynamics that shaped American society during the early 20th century and numismatics’s important role in reflecting and shaping that identity.
Also Read: Top 20 Most Valuable Old Pennies Worth Money (Penny Collection)
1908 Indian Head Penny Grading
A coin’s condition is evaluated on a scale from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70), with grades in between such as About Good (AG-3), Good (G-4), Fine (F-12), Extremely Fine (EF-40), and About Uncirculated (AU-50).
Lists of 1908 Indian Head Penny Error
Errors are known to add more value to coins, and the 1908 Indian Head penny is no different. Here are some of the known errors associated with the 1908 Indian Head Penny:
1. 1908 Indian Head Penny With Repunched Mint Mark Error
Some 1908 Indian Head pennies have a mint mark that appears to have been stamped multiple times in slightly different positions, resulting in a “repunched” mint mark error. This error is only seen on coins minted in San Francisco (S mint mark), making them more valuable than those without this error.
2. 1908 Indian Head Penny With Repunched Date Error
Repunched date errors occur when the date on a coin is struck more than once during the minting process. One can identify coins with this sort of error by closely examining the coin for a faint second impression of the date, usually on the coin’s rim.
The value of a 1908 Indian Head Penny with Repunched Date Error varies based on condition and other factors such as rarity and demand.
3. 1908 Indian Head Penny With Wide Rim Error
Some 1908 Indian Head pennies have wider-than-usual rims around their edges. This is because a collar die was not appropriately adjusted during minting. Coins with the wide-rim error are more valuable than those without.
The value of a 1908 Indian Head Penny with a Wide Rim Error can vary depending on its condition and grade. For example, as of 2023, a 1908 Indian Head Penny with a Wide Rim Error graded in MS-64 condition can be worth around $2,500 to $3,500
Here’s a video showing some valuable 1908 Indian Head Pennies with the abovementioned errors and their worth.
1908 Indian Head Penny FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Mirror-Like Proof and Matte Proof Indian Head Penny?
The major difference between the two proof coins is the texture and shine of the surface. The Mirror-Like Proof has a reflective surface, while the Matte Proof has a more textured appearance. Both finishes are highly desirable to collectors, but the Mirror-Like Proof is generally considered rarer and more valuable than the Matte Proof.
Where Can I Get More Information About the 1908 Indian Head Penny?
Coin-collecting forums and online communities are excellent for connecting with other collectors and getting advice on collecting coins. Websites like CoinTalk and Reddit’s r/coins community are great places to start.
Likewise, you can find more information about the history of the 1908 Indian Head Penny, its variations, and its value on the websites of leading coin grading and authentication companies such as Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).