Indian Head Penny History. The origins of the Indian Head Penny can be traced back to the days when the Large-Cent coin was the only one in circulation. These coins were first minted in 1793, but faced immediate problems seeing as the US government would not allow any metals other than silver and gold to be used as legal tender. Trusted expert on Indian Head Cents Extra Fine Condition. Buy Indian Head Cent 1905 Extra Fine online 24/7 with Golden Eagle Coins. Call 1-800-735-1311. Trusted coin dealer since 1974.
1905 Indian head penny value has steadily moved higher over the years. It is among the 1900 to 1909 years, forming a popular sub-set of collectible Indian pennies. Today in the collectors market 1905 pennies are abundant in average circulated condition. The Indian Head Penny has a lady wearing a feathered headdress on its face. Most Indian Head pennies are worth at least a dollar if the date can be read, and those in good condition are worth as much as $5. While cleaning an Indian Head Penny is not advised, especially for old coins or those that have been inherited.
Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90
1905 Indian head penny value has steadily moved higher over the years. It is among the 1900 to 1909 years, forming a popular sub-set of collectible Indian pennies.
Today in the collectors market 1905 pennies are abundant in average circulated condition. However, nicer preserved coins with greater detail are far less available and realized by collectors. Examine your coin, is the word 'Liberty' visible within the headband? If all letters are readable your 1905 Indian head penny value doubles.
A top quality example is pictured to the right. Very rare are coins in the same condition as when first leaving the mint. This 1905 penny is easily worth $30 because of outstanding brightness and mark free surfaces. Further down the page are auction results of one of the finest 1905 pennies.
Finding an accurate value of your old 1905 Indian penny is to first judge its condition. Collectors and dealers examine the amount of wear to the surface and a 'grade' is assigned. Images and grading descriptions are described after the value chart.
| 1905 Indian Head Penny Value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1905 Indian Head Penny Value Updated | 2021 | |||
| 1905 | $1.48 | $2.49 | $7 | $31 |
Highest Value for Gem Quality 1905 Indian Head Penny
An Indian penny showing no signs of wear to its surface is known as 'uncirculated' condition. Pictured is a 1905 penny taking the term to a different level. Collectors would describe it as 'Gem uncirculated.' Bright original color, mark free surfaces and absent are any visual distractions. In fact this coin is outstanding in eye appeal.
When a coin of this gem quality is offered in the market it is likely in an auction setting. This coin was sold at a David Lawrence rare coin auction after multiple bids took the price to $690. Rarity and collector interest established a high value on gem 1905 Indian pennies.
Elite condition coins are only a small part of the coin collecting hobby, their rarity is a limiting factor. Many collectors pursue lightly worn and pleasing examples as they are building sets. Your 1905 Indian penny is always of value.
Good Fortune and Condition Lead to Value
Demand for higher quality 1905 pennies creates a doubling or more in value for the nicer coins. Your coin is highly desirable to collectors if it was lucky enough to have been set aside before wearing extensively. Judge the 'grade' and value category of your coin by comparing it to the images and descriptions.
Uncirculated: Coveted by collectors because no wear disturbs the surface. This penny despite its age is in like new condition and rising to the high end of 1905 Indian head penny value. Toning may appear as a dark redness and brown, however no parts of the design have been worn from contact. With a magnifying glass examine her cheek and the tips of the feathers for wear. Minting imparts a certain grain to the surfaces of coins, wear can appear as a somewhat glossy or smooth sheen and sometimes with dullness to the area.
Extremely Fine: 1905 pennies found with crisp, sharp detail are uncommon. Clear definitions of minor design elements are Indian pennies graded as 'extremely fine' condition. First determine if the top and bottom of the headband is well defined. This plus all of 'Liberty' clearly visible puts your coin in a select group worth a strong premium. Next, her eye brow and cheek should show almost complete roundness with only small areas of flatness. Confirm the extra fine grade with a distinct ribbon crossing over the hair curls behind her neck.
Fine: Pulled from circulation with ample detail remaining, Indian pennies in 'fine' condition are pleasing. Her face and hair are fully separated with rounded contours. Lettering and date is bold. From the top of the headband, following her forehead and down behind her ear are the highest points of design. It is these areas that wear removes much of the finer detail.
1905 Indian Head Penny Mint Mark
Good: Heavy wear has reduced the portrait to almost a flat silhouette. The headband and hair above the eye are no longer separated, hair curls along her neck and ribbon are merged. In 'good' condition enough of the design and a bold date remain to easily recognize. Solid 1905 Indian head penny value, very collectible despite its worn appearance.
Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles
Date by Date
In Depth Indian Penny Value
1859 to 1882
1859 | 1865 | 1871 | 1877 |
1860 | 1866 | 1872 | 1878 |
1861 | 1867 | 1873 | 1879 |
1862 | 1868 | 1874 | 1880 |
1863 | 1869 | 1875 | 1881 |
1864 | 1870 | 1876 | 1882 |
Date by Date
In Depth Indian Penny Value
1883 to 1909
1883 | 1890 | 1897 | 1904 |
1884 | 1891 | 1898 | 1905 |
1885 | 1892 | 1899 | 1906 |
1886 | 1893 | 1900 | 1907 |
1887 | 1894 | 1901 | 1908 |
1888 | 1895 | 1902 | 1909 |
1889 | 1896 | 1903 |
$1 to $2 for common dates. Today many advanced collectors are pursuing Indian pennies and rare dates are rapidly moving higher in value. The 1905 penny within the 1900 to 1909 sub set is also on the move. Better condition coins are especially sought. Your box of old coins has never been as valuable.
Accurate penny values are found by using the grading images and descriptions to judge the condition of your coins. Next, check the date and values on the charts covering each series of US pennies. Discover not only your 1905 Indian head penny value but all the rare varieties, date and mintmark combinations.
★Coin Values Discovery finds... 1905 Indian Head Penny Value and...
All old US coin values. The home page is an excellent index, quickly leading to the major coin series. From Cents to Gold. Each with grading images and value charts.
1905 Indian Head Penny Value Charts
1905 Indian Head Penny Worth
Easily sort and value your coins. An important step in preparing for selling and finding coin buyers.