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How to Grade Indian Head Pennies

The Indian Head penny is actually misnamed. The figure in profile on the front represents Liberty with an Indian headdress rather than an actual Native American. The U.S. Mint struck this coin from 1859 to 1909. The Indian head penny initially was composed of 88 percent copper and 12 percent nickel, but this composition was changed to 95 percent copper and 5 percent tin and zinc alloy in 1864. Values vary depending on grade, which range between good and uncirculated conditions.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Check the luster of the coin. If it looks as if it just came from the U.S. Mint and retains a deep red color, the coin can grade as choice uncirculated (MS-63) or higher, to a maximum grade of MS-70.
- 2
  Examine the coin for blemishes such as marks from coming into contact with other objects. An Indian Head penny with little wear and light blemishes can grade as uncirculated (MS-60) or choice uncirculated (MS-63).
- 3
  Look at the ear of Liberty and the curls of the hair above it. If the coin has only slight wear in these areas, it can grade as about uncirculated (AU-50).
- 4
  Check for wear on the ribbon of the headdress. Wear here will knock the coin down to a grade of extremely fine (EF-40).
- 5
  Grade the coin as very fine (VF-20) if it has some wear on the word "LIBERTY" on the headdress. If the coin has quite a bit of wear on the word it will grade as fine (F-12). If only some of the letters in the word can be seen, the coin should grade no higher than very good (VG-8). If "LIBERTY" cannot be seen at all the Indian Head penny should be graded as good (G-4).

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