CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1863 Indian Head Penny value at an average of $10.00, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $185.
What is a 1863 penny made of?
As part of Civil War-era coins, the 1863 Indian Head Penny is especially sought after by collectors. These coins are sought after further because they are made with a special copper-nickel alloy that was only used during the Civil War. This special alloy makes Civil War-era Indian Heads heavier than other editions.
What does VDB on a penny mean?
Mint year 1909 also produced some wheat pennies with the designer’s initials, “VDB” for Victor D. Brenner. These initials may be found along the bottom rim of the coin just below the wheat stalks.
How to determine the value of an 1863 Penny?
The next step in finding an accurate value of your 1863 penny is judging the condition. Collectors and dealers examine the amount of wear to the surface and a “grade” is assigned. The ultimate in grade are the “uncirculated” coins, ones that were never used.
What’s the color of a copper Lincoln cent?
Copper Lincoln pennies arranged by darkening shades of red to brown. To accurately grade copper coins, you must be able to describe the color of the copper. Over time the brilliant orange/red color of a freshly minted copper coin, such as a Lincoln cent, will diminish and fade to a deep chocolate brown color.
What do you need to know about copper pennies?
James Bucki has over 40 years of coin collecting experience, receiving specialized training in coin grading, minting errors, and collecting techniques. Copper Lincoln pennies arranged by darkening shades of red to brown. To accurately grade copper coins, you must be able to describe the color of the copper.
Why did people use coins during the Civil War?
Civil War tokens are token coins that were privately minted and distributed in the United States between 1861 and 1864. They were used mainly in the Northeast and Midwest. The widespread use of the tokens was a result of the scarcity of government-issued cents during the Civil War . Civil War tokens became illegal…
