Last Updated on May 24, 2022
The 1900 penny is also known as the Indian Head penny because of the Indian head image on one side of the coin. The penny has no mintmark because all of these coins were minted inside Philadelphia. So, if you are looking to sell this coin from your collection or add it to your collection, you are in the right place.
Here is everything you must know about the value of a 1900 penny.
How Much Is A 1900 Penny Worth?
The 1900 penny does not have a significant worth as it will be worth close to $5 in good condition. Of course, if the coin is in very fine condition, you can expect the worth to be a little more than five dollars. If the condition is incredibly fine, this penny will be worth close to ten dollars.
Of course, the penny’s worth will be high if you find it in uncirculated condition, depending on the grading. For example, the 1900 penny with an MS 60 grade in an uncirculated condition will be worth around $40. If the coin is in uncirculated condition with an MS 63 grade, it will be worth close to $70.
Even in uncirculated conditions and with a high grade, the coin will not be worth more than a hundred dollars. That is why if you are looking to invest in a worthy coin, the 1900 penny is not an ideal choice as it will not offer much monetary value.
Who Designed The 1900 Penny?
James B. Longacre was the one who designed the Indian Head Penny in 1859, and he was the Chief Engraver at the US Mint during that time. Of course, the secret behind designing this coin was to replace the first small cent of the country, which was the Flying Eagle. That is because the US minted this coin for at least five decades, which is why it is one of the longest-running coin series in the country.
Remember that the Indian head is not an actual Indian. Instead, the image you will see on the coin is of Lady Liberty wearing a feathered tribal headdress. The image is there on the obverse side of the coin with the year this penny was minted.
What Is The Metal Composition Of The 1900 Penny?
The 1900 penny does not have a high value because of the metal composition, as it does not contain any silver. Instead, the penny contains 95% copper and 5% zinc and tin, which is why the value is significantly lower than silver coins. The weight of the penny is also over three grams, which is not that high either.
In the beginning, these pennies were made with 88% copper. However, this was changed, and later, the pennies contained at least 95% copper, which is what you will see today. The previous pennies have an even lower value because of the copper composition.
How Much Is A 1900 Proof Penny Worth?
In 1900, the US Mint created more than 2,200 proof pennies of this coin. You will find that the proof coin will be worth at least several hundred dollars. Of course, that will depend on the grading, color, and condition.
That is because you will find the proof penny with a brown surface, reddish-brown surface, and a red surface. If the 1900 proof penny has a brown surface and is in PR 60 condition, it will be worth between $140 and $170. On the other hand, the same coin color in PR 67 condition will be worth between $3,000 and $4,000.
If you have the 1900 proof coin with a reddish-brown surface in PR 60 condition, it will be worth between $180 and $200. On the other hand, the same coin color in PR 67 condition will be worth between $4,000 and $5,000. Finally, the last color for this coin is one that includes a red surface.
If you have the 1900 proof coin with a red surface in PR 60 condition, it will be worth between $250 and $300. On the other hand, the same coin color in PR 67 condition will be worth between $4,700 and $5,500. That is why it is great to get your hands on the 1900-proof penny.
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