Lincoln, Wheat Ear Reverse (Wheat Penny's) cents were struck from 1909 to 1958. A 1888 penny is a Indian Head cent with an average value of $1.00-$3.00 for most coins.
NOTE: The wreath on the reverse is Oak not Wheat.
These two coins would be referred to as: Indian Head cents. In 1887, there were ~45,224,000 coins minted; in 1888, the US Mint produced ~37,490,000 coins. Therefore, the 1888 coin is worth a bit more because fewer were minted. Take 2 - The "TRICK" here is to get the question right . . . it should be stated as "Why are 1888 pennies worth more than 1887 pennies?" And the answer? - Because there is one more penny.
The last Liberty head (a/k/a/ "Large") cents were made in 1857. All cents dated 1888 are Indian Head cents. Please see the Related Question for more information.
1888 makes it an Indian head cent, which is a small coin (same size as modern Lincoln cents). The '88 is a relatively common date, worth anywhere between $2 and $50 depending on condition. If the coin is in fact larger, still dated 1888, then that's probably not Liberty on the coin, but rather Queen Victoria. If it is, the denomination will say "One Penny" rather than "One Cent". Prices for that coin start at around $3.
The nearest date I could find was from back to 1888. However all Indian cents from that time period have almost identical designs.
There are 2 varieties of 1888 Indian Head cent. The one with an "overdate" which shows 1887 underneath 1888 is much rarer. Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 03/2010:Normal date:Very worn condition - $1Moderately worn - $6Slightly worn - $8Almost no wear - $31Uncirculated - $54 to $525 depending on qualityOverdate 1888/1887:Very worn condition - $1,888Moderately worn - $2,850Slightly worn - $5,820Almost no wear - $15,180Uncirculated - $21,880 to $44,380
Please check again. Wheat cents were made from 1909 to 1958. If you have an Indian Head cent with that date see the Related Question for more.
the penny post was invented in 1888
Zack Wheat was born on May 23, 1888.
Zack Wheat was born on May 23, 1888.
in 1888
Zack Wheat was born May 23, 1888, in Hamilton, MO, USA.
These two coins would be referred to as: Indian Head cents. In 1887, there were ~45,224,000 coins minted; in 1888, the US Mint produced ~37,490,000 coins. Therefore, the 1888 coin is worth a bit more because fewer were minted. Take 2 - The "TRICK" here is to get the question right . . . it should be stated as "Why are 1888 pennies worth more than 1887 pennies?" And the answer? - Because there is one more penny.
The last Liberty head (a/k/a/ "Large") cents were made in 1857. All cents dated 1888 are Indian Head cents. Please see the Related Question for more information.
A 1888 small cent coin is valued: Good condition-$1.50, Fine condition-$4.00, Uncirculated-$40.00 Proof-$160.00 There is also some 1888 small cent coins that were minted 1888 with the last 8 spamped over a seven and these are more valuable: Very Good condition-$650.00, Fine condition-$1,000.00, Uncirculated-$8,000.00.
1888 makes it an Indian head cent, which is a small coin (same size as modern Lincoln cents). The '88 is a relatively common date, worth anywhere between $2 and $50 depending on condition. If the coin is in fact larger, still dated 1888, then that's probably not Liberty on the coin, but rather Queen Victoria. If it is, the denomination will say "One Penny" rather than "One Cent". Prices for that coin start at around $3.
The nearest date I could find was from back to 1888. However all Indian cents from that time period have almost identical designs.
The US mint never made any such coin. It is a privately made coin. The value will simply depend on what the coin was symbolizing and what a dealer is willing to pay.