1887 Indian Head Penny Value — Most Recent Collector Prices

The 1887 Indian Head Penny is worth anywhere from $2 in worn condition to over $1,500 in pristine mint state. While millions were produced by the Philadelphia Mint, finding one that has survived over 130 years without significant wear is a rare treat for any casual collector or attic treasure hunter.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Good (G-4)	$2.00 – $3.50
Fine (F-12)	$6.00 – $10.00
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$25.00 – $45.00
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$110.00 – $150.00
Proof (PR-65)	$400.00+

History and Significance of the 1887 Indian Head Cent

Finding an 1887 penny in your pocket change or a jar of old coins is like holding a piece of Post-Civil War American history. During this era, the United States was expanding rapidly, and these small copper coins were the backbone of daily commerce. If you are unsure if your find is authentic, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the date and variety instantly.

The Indian Head Cent design, created by James B. Longacre, actually depicts Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, not a Native American man. This design was minted from 1859 to 1909. By 1887, the composition was 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, making them prone to oxidation and color changes over time.

Collectors highly prize these coins today because they represent the “matured” look of the series. While the CoinKnow app can show you hundreds of listings, understanding the nuances of the 1887 strike is key to knowing if you have a common penny or a hidden gem worth hundreds.

Grading Your 1887 Indian Head Penny

Determining the exact value of your 1887 cent requires looking at the “grade,” or the level of wear on the coin’s surface. For the everyday American, this can be done by looking at specific details on Lady Liberty’s face and the wreath on the back.

In “Good” condition, the coin will be very flat, but the date and the word “LIBERTY” should still be mostly visible. In “Fine” condition, the hair details around the face become clearer. If you have an “Uncirculated” coin, it will look like it just came from the mint, with no signs of wear on the highest points of the design.

To get a better idea of how condition affects the 1887 Indian Head penny red color value, you must look at whether the coin is Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB), or Brown (BN). Red coins are the most valuable because they have retained their original mint luster.

Grade Level	Visual Characteristics
About Uncirculated (AU)	Traces of wear on the hair above the ear; some luster remains.
Very Fine (VF)	All letters in LIBERTY are sharp and clearly readable.
Good (G)	Heavy wear; the rim is starting to blend into the design.

The 1887/6 Doubled Die Error and Varieties

One of the most exciting aspects for collectors is searching for errors. The most famous variety for this year is the “1887/6” overdate. This occurred when an 1887 die was punched over an 1886 die, leaving a faint “6” visible underneath the final “7” in the date.

While these are quite rare, finding one can significantly boost the price of your coin. If you suspect your coin has a strange doubling or a weirdly shaped date, it is worth checking against the high-resolution images found on the CoinKnow platform.

Even if you don’t find the overdate, you should look for “Double Die” errors on the obverse (front) or reverse (back). These happen when the coin die is struck twice, creating a blurred or “ghostly” effect on the lettering or the feathers in the headdress. Such errors can make a $5 coin worth $50 or more to the right buyer.

Why Color Matters for 1887 Cents

As we mentioned, copper coins react with oxygen. When an 1887 penny is first minted, it is a bright, shiny orange-red. As it circulates or sits in a drawer, it turns brown. In the world of coin collecting, “Red” is the holy grail.

A “Brown” (BN) 1887 penny in MS-65 grade might sell for $150, while the same coin in “Full Red” (RD) could fetch over $1,000 at a premium auction. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC are usually the final word on these color designations.

If you are just starting out, don’t worry too much about the color unless the coin looks exceptionally shiny. For the average person, most coins found today will be the Brown variety, which still holds significant historical value compared to a modern Lincoln cent. Similar to the historical price trends of late 19th-century pennies, the 1887 remains a solid investment for entry-level hobbyists.

Where to Sell Your 1887 Indian Head Penny

If you have used CoinKnow to identify your coin and you’ve determined it has some value, your next step is deciding how to sell it. For coins worth $2 to $10, a local coin shop is often the easiest route, though they will offer you less than “book value” so they can make a profit.

For higher-value coins in the $100+ range, consider online marketplaces like eBay or specialized auction houses. When selling online, high-quality photos are essential. Buyers want to see the details of the feathers and the word “LIBERTY” to verify the grade themselves.

Always be wary of cleaning your coins. A common mistake beginners make is trying to “shine up” an old penny with vinegar or soap. This actually damages the surface of the metal and can reduce the coin’s value by 50% or more instantly. Collectors prefer “original skin”—the natural aging the coin has earned over a century.

Sales Venue	Best For…	Pros/Cons
Local Coin Dealer	Common/Worn coins	Fast cash / Lower payout
eBay	Mid-range varieties	Huge audience / Shipping hassle
Heritage Auctions	High-grade/Rare errors	Top dollar / High fees

Summary of the 1887 Penny Potential

The 1887 Indian Head Penny is a classic of American numismatics. With over 45 million minted, it is not a “key date” (like the 1877), but it is old enough to command respect and value in almost any condition.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or someone who just happened upon an old coin in a basement clear-out, the 1887 penny offers a window into the past. By checking for the 1887/6 overdate and assessing the amount of wear on the feathers, you can determine if your penny is a $2 spender or a $200 treasure.

Keep your coins in a cool, dry place and avoid touching the faces with your fingers, as the oils from your skin can cause spots. With the right care and a bit of research, your 1887 cent can be a great addition to a collection or a nice little payday.

FAQ

Q: Does the 1887 Indian Head Penny have a mint mark?

A: No. In 1887, all Indian Head pennies were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. At that time, the Philadelphia Mint did not use mint marks. If you see a mint mark, it is likely a different year (like 1908 or 1909) or a counterfeit.

Q: How can I tell if I have the 1887/6 overdate error?

A: You will need a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe. Look at the bottom of the “7” in the date. If you see the faint loop or tail of a “6” underneath the metal of the 7, you may have found the rare overdate variety.

Q: Is a “cleaned” 1887 penny still worth anything?

A: Yes, it still has value because of its age and copper content, but it will be worth much less than an original, uncleaned coin. A coin that would be worth $50 might only sell for $10 or $15 if it has been harshly cleaned.

Q: Where is the best place to find these coins today?

A: It is extremely rare to find an 1887 penny in modern pocket change. Most are found in estate sales, inherited collections, or by using a metal detector in areas that were populated in the late 1800s.