The World's Most Valuable Collector's Items

272. Indian Head Pennies

Creator: US Mint
Original Price: $0.01*
Worth Today: $25-$3,000*

The penny called the Indian Head Cent was created by the United States Mint between 1859 and 1909. Designed by engineer James Longacre, the coin was the size of a half dollar coin. Those not produced at the Philadelphia Mint, where the penny originated, have a San Francisco Mint symbol (“S”) below the crown on the other side.

The value of an Indian head penny depends on the year. An 1859 Penny in good condition sells for $25, while a 1909 Penny sells for $850 in mint condition. The 1873 and 1877 cents are also quite valuable, selling for $1,235 and $3,000 respectively if in perfect condition.