About a dollar depending on condition and that isn't a rare year for Indian heads
It is worth $1.00. Check on (about.com)Indian head penny
Assuming you mean a U.S. Indian Head cent and not a British penny, 1897 is a common date for Indian Head Cents. In average circulated condition it's worth $1.00-$3.00.
How much would an 1897 indain head penny be worth today in 2012
There is no such coin as a Indian Head Buckwheat penny, but a 1898 Indian Head cent in average condition is worth $1.00-$3.00
An 1896 Indian Head Penny in good condition is worth $1.35, in fine condition is worth $2.00, in uncirculated condition is worth $30.00, proof is worth $150.00.
1869 Indian Head Penny: In good condition is worth $45.00, In fine condition is worth $175.00, uncirculated is worth $400.00, proof is worth $550.00.
1897 is a common high mintage year of Indian Head cents, average circulated coins are $1.00-$4.00
Assuming that you're referring to an American cent and not a British penny, 1897 is not a rare date for Indian Head Cents. In average circulated condition it's worth about a dollar. If the LIBERTY in the headband is complete and easily readable it's worth about $2.00. A nice uncirculated one is worth about $25 - 30
Most Indian head pennies of 1909 are worth between $2.00 and $10.00. However, if the penny is an 1909 S Indian head then it would be worth between $400 to $600 depending on the value grade.
An 1896 Indian Head Penny in good condition is worth $1.35, in fine condition is worth $2.00, in uncirculated condition is worth $30.00, proof is worth $150.00.
Indian Head pennies were made from 1859 thru 1909.
There were no Indian Head cents minted until 1859.