This was in the group I found in the basement of my parents' house (there's a separate thread for that in the "What's it worth" section). I didn't recall seeing anything like before but it looks a lot like the pics I found online of an Indian head penny. I'm not looking for a value, I'm not sure it's worth anything, especially as damaged as it is; I'm just curious. Thanks in advance for your help. Meg
Yes, it is an Indian Head Cent. But it UGLY and damaged. It has no collector value. Hang on to it as a memento of your find) but don't expect anyone to pay you more than a few cents for it.
Thank you all, you've confirmed my suspicion. And I didn't figure it was worth more than a cent; I might not even spend it, I'm thinking of keeping it just for the curiosity factor - and as a reminder of how tough life can be sometimes (I do actually think it's kinda cool.) Meg
I agree, somebody would pay more than a cent for it although it is pretty beat up. I would just keep it though.
If you paid $2.00 for that coin, I personally believe you paid a little too much. Perhaps the picture is bad, but I can't read LIBERTY on the headband. For me I won't pay over $1 for 1890-1908's in this condition.
I don't think so considering all the Internet price guide. I also know this was sold by a reputable dealer at a coin show where it is less likely to be a problem coin that is cleaned or something. Well the guides say it is worth about 50 cent more but I am sure prices vary greatly depending on where in the country you are in. I bought this in a Northeast suburb where things cost more generally. Do you have this year in this condition where you paid a dollar? Where did you buy it? I am thinking about going back to the same dealer, he had a half dime with good details with a full shield and liberty banner for $8 which seems reasonable. I got this large cent from the same guy for the same price I paid for a cleaned 1854 braided hair with better details on Ebay:
