What is the value of an 1881 Indian head wheat penny in perfect condition?

Answer 1

"In Perfect Condition" is a relative term -- with different meanings for different people.

There is a standard grading scale used for coins -- called the Sheldon Scale -- that rates coins numerically from 1 to 70, with 70 being "perfect".

A "perfect" coin, from before the 1960's, is pretty much unheard of.

You need to get your coin professionally graded to get an accurate estimate of its value.

"Perfect" in your eyes may turn out to be only extra fine (grade 40) or about uncirculated (grade 50) to a professionally trained grader -- a BIG difference in value.

An extra fine Indian head cent -- one that has sharp details, but visible wear spots -- for an 1881 is worth about $12.00

An about uncirculated coin will have complete details with nice mint luster and only the lightest evidence of rub on only the highest points of the design -- an 1881 is worth about $16.00

A truly uncirculated coin will show no evidence of wear -- all design details will be sharp & complete with no softness whatsoever, it will have flashy mint luster with no breaks, and attractive natural color -- an 1881 will be worth $30-$50 or more, depending on color and contact marks.

If your coin has been cleaned or altered in any way, its value will drop severely. A nice uncirculated 1881 coin that was worth about $50 but has been cleaned will now be worth only a couple dollars.

Also, your coin isn't a "wheat penny", it's just an Indian head cent. Wheat pennies were made from 1909 to 1958 and have the familiar picture of Abraham Lincoln on the front side.

I hope this helps,

Dan