Free 1862 Indian Head Penny Value Calculator

Select your coin's details below for an instant value estimate.

Step 1 — Mint Mark
Step 2 — Condition
Step 3 — Error / Variety (check all that apply)

If you're not yet sure of your coin's condition or whether it has any errors, there's a 1862 Indian Head Penny Coin Value Checker online tool that lets you upload photos for an AI-powered estimate before you fill out the steps above.

Doubled Die Reverse (FS-801) Self-Checker

The FS-801 Snow-5 Doubled Die Reverse is the most famous variety of the entire 1862 Indian Head Cent series. Use this checker to see if your coin might have it.

Side-by-side comparison of normal 1862 Indian Head Penny reverse vs FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse showing doubling in shield and ribbon

🔘 Common Reverse (Normal)

  • Shield lines are clean, single-thickness
  • Ribbon at wreath base shows one clear outline
  • Leaf edges are sharp with no secondary shadow
  • "ONE CENT" lettering is crisp with no echo

⭐ DDR FS-801 (Snow-5 — Rare)

  • Shield lines appear doubled — two distinct lines visible
  • Ribbon shows a clear secondary impression alongside it
  • Leaf elements throughout wreath show ghosting or spread
  • Doubling visible under 5× loupe, often naked eye

What's on This Page

Jump to any section instantly:

🔢 Value Calculator 📝 Describe Your Coin 🔍 DDR Variety Checker 📊 Value Chart ⚠️ Errors & Varieties 📜 Mintage Data 🏅 How to Grade 💰 Where to Sell

The Valuable 1862 Indian Head Penny Errors — Complete Guide

The 1862 Indian Head Cent was struck during the Civil War, a period of mint pressure and hurried production that gave rise to several collectible die varieties. The five varieties below are the most significant — each identified and cross-referenced by the CONECA Variety Attribution system (FS numbers) or the Snow reference. Values shown represent the premium range above a typical coin in the same grade.

1862 Indian Head Penny FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse close-up showing doubled shield lines and ribbon
MOST FAMOUS $9 – $9,000+

Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 (Snow-5)

The FS-801 is a Class V Pivoted and Class VIII Tilted doubled die, produced when the working die was hubbed twice from slightly different positions during die preparation at the Philadelphia Mint. The result is a dramatic secondary impression visible on the coin's reverse design elements.

Visually, the strongest doubling appears in the vertical lines of the shield at the top of the reverse, the ribbon at the base of the wreath, and the individual leaf elements throughout the oak sprigs. Under a 10× loupe, the shield lines appear to have a bold "shadow" or secondary line alongside each primary line. The reversal is also visible at the base of "ONE CENT."

This variety is attributed by ANACS and cross-referenced as Snow-5 in the Snow Indian Head Cent reference. It is widely considered one of the most coveted doubled dies in the entire Indian Head Cent series, prized by specialists who focus on Civil War-era copper-nickel coinage. High-grade examples (MS-65 and above) command the strongest premiums.

How to spot it

Use a 10× loupe on the reverse shield — look for two distinct parallel lines inside the shield's vertical bars. Also check the ribbon and leaf edges for a secondary raised outline running alongside the primary design.

Mint mark

Philadelphia only — no mint mark appears on this coin.

Notable

Cross-referenced as Snow-5 (Snow IHC reference) and attributed by ANACS. Greysheet CPG® lists this variety at $9–$9,000 range. PCGS designates it FS-801 under Indian Cent varieties. Often called the top variety of the entire 1862 IHC date.

1862 Indian Head Penny Misplaced Date FS-301 showing errant digit '1' punched into denticles below the date
MOST COLLECTIBLE $9 – $9,000

Misplaced Date FS-301 (Snow-2, S-2)

The Misplaced Date FS-301 is an obverse variety created when the date logotype was first applied to the working die in an incorrect position. The mint worker then repositioned the punch and completed the date in the correct location, but the errant first impression left a permanent trace in the die — and on every coin struck from it.

On these coins, close examination of the denticles directly below and slightly to the left of the "1862" date reveals the top of a digit "1" protruding into the denticle row. The element is raised rather than incuse, confirming it was punched from the date logotype rather than being a die gouge or damage. A 10× loupe makes detection straightforward on mid-grade or better examples.

This is one of the more accessible and popularly collected varieties of the 1862 cent because the diagnostic is both distinctive and learnable without specialist equipment. Cross-referenced as Snow-2 (S-2 in the Snow reference). Greysheet CPG® values the variety between $9 and $9,000, with premium strongly tied to grade and clarity of the misplaced element.

How to spot it

Examine the denticles just below the leftmost "1" in the 1862 date with a 10× loupe. A partial raised "1" numeral should be visible protruding upward from the denticle tops — a clear, raised element, not a scratch.

Mint mark

Philadelphia only — no mint mark present on 1862 Indian Head Pennies.

Notable

Attributed as PCGS FS-301 and cross-referenced Snow S-2. Greysheet CPG® range is $9–$9,000 depending on grade. One of the more frequently encountered varieties in the 1862 IHC population, making it an approachable entry point for error collectors.

1862 Indian Head Penny FS-802 Doubled Die Reverse Snow-6 showing doubling in leaf elements and ONE CENT lettering
SISTER VARIETY $9 – $9,000

Doubled Die Reverse FS-802 (Snow-6, S-6)

The FS-802 is the second significant doubled die reverse of the 1862 Indian Head Cent, cataloged alongside but distinct from the FS-801. Where FS-801 shows the strongest doubling in the shield, FS-802's primary diagnostic is most apparent in the leaf elements of the oak wreath and the lettering of "ONE CENT" at the center of the reverse.

Under magnification, the individual leaf serrations on the oak sprigs show a distinct spread impression — the edges of each leaf appear to have a secondary outline running parallel to the primary. The "ONE CENT" letters also display a southerly spread consistent with a Class V pivot. The reverse design is otherwise identical to a normal 1862 cent, making a loupe essential for attribution.

Cross-referenced as Snow S-6 (Snow-6 in the Snow reference) and attributed by PCGS as FS-802. Like FS-801, it commands premiums above the base 1862 cent value in all grades. Because it is less famous than the FS-801, it often trades below its premium potential — a genuine opportunity for informed variety collectors seeking 1862 die variety attribution.

How to spot it

Under a 10× loupe, examine the leaf serrations of the oak wreath and the letters of "ONE CENT." The FS-802 shows southerly spread doubling on leaf edges and a faint secondary outline on the "O," "N," and "E" in "ONE."

Mint mark

Philadelphia only — 1862 Indian Head Pennies carry no mint mark on any variety.

Notable

PCGS number FS-802; cross-referenced Snow S-6. Greysheet CPG® range $9–$9,000. GreatCollections auction archives show 4 sales of the FS-802 on record, confirming an active collector market for this variety.

1862 Indian Head Penny Repunched 8/8 S-7 variety close-up showing secondary impression of the second 8 in the date
BEST KEPT SECRET $15 – $250+

Repunched 8/8 (Snow S-7)

The Repunched Date variety Snow S-7 shows the second digit "8" in the date "1862" punched twice into the die in slightly different positions. Individual digit punches were used at the Philadelphia Mint during this era rather than a single logotype, meaning each numeral was hand-set independently — an error-prone process that occasionally left telltale double impressions.

Under a 10× loupe, the second "8" in "1862" displays a faint secondary loop or serif extending below or beside the primary numeral. In mid-grade circulated coins (Fine to Extremely Fine), the secondary punch is often still visible despite moderate wear. Better-preserved examples (AU or Mint State) show the repunch most dramatically, as both impressions retain full detail.

The Repunched 8/8 carries a more modest premium than the doubled die varieties above, making it an affordable entry into 1862 Indian Head Penny variety collecting. It is cataloged in the Snow Indian Head Cent reference as S-7 and is a recognizable variety that adds historical interest to any Civil War-era cent collection.

How to spot it

Use a 10× loupe on the second "8" in the date "1862." Look for a secondary serif, loop, or partial outline extending slightly off-center from the primary numeral — either above, below, or to the right of the main digit impression.

Mint mark

Philadelphia only — all 1862 Indian Head cents were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark.

Notable

Cross-referenced as Snow S-7 in the Snow Indian Head Cent reference. Carries a modest but real premium over base values in circulated grades. Best detected on EF-40 or better examples where both date impressions retain full relief and clarity.

1862 Indian Head Penny S-14 File Marks By Ear variety showing die preparation lines near Miss Liberty's ear
RAREST SURFACE TYPE $10 – $200+

File Marks By Ear (Snow S-14)

The File Marks By Ear variety (Snow S-14) preserves evidence of Mint workmen filing or polishing the working die in the area near Miss Liberty's ear and the lower headdress ribbons on the obverse. These die-preparation file marks transferred from the die face onto every coin struck, appearing as a series of fine parallel raised lines in the finished coin's surface.

The marks appear as thin, parallel raised striations clustered near the ear, running at a consistent angle — distinguishable from post-mint scratches by their regularity, their presence on the die-field (raised rather than incuse on the coin), and the fact that they appear identically on multiple examples from the same die. The area below the headdress ribbon near the ear is the primary concentration point.

While less famous than the doubled die varieties, this variety offers a rare window into Philadelphia Mint production practices of the Civil War era. Die polishing and filing were common remedial techniques to extend die life. The S-14 is cataloged in the Snow reference as one of the more visually distinctive die-state varieties of the 1862 cent, and it is genuinely scarce in any grade with the marks clearly preserved and not obscured by wear.

How to spot it

Examine the area immediately adjacent to Miss Liberty's ear and below the headdress ribbon with a 10× loupe. File marks appear as fine parallel raised lines — not scratches. Their regularity and raised nature (versus incuse post-mint scratches) confirm die origin.

Mint mark

Philadelphia only — exclusive to the copper-nickel 1862 Indian Head cent from the Philadelphia Mint.

Notable

Cataloged as Snow S-14 in the Snow Indian Head Cent reference. One of the more obscure but authentic die-preparation varieties from 1862. Premiums are modest; collector appeal comes from the direct evidence of Civil War-era Mint workshop practices preserved on the die.

1862 Indian Head Penny Mintage & Survival Data

Historical Philadelphia Mint circa 1862 or group of 1862 Indian Head Pennies in various grades
Mint Mint Mark Strike Type Mintage
Philadelphia None Circulation Strike 28,075,000
Philadelphia None Proof ~550
Total — All types ~28,075,550
Composition & Specifications: 88% Copper, 12% Nickel · Weight: 4.67–4.70 g · Diameter: 19 mm · Edge: Plain · Designer: James Barton Longacre · Series: Indian Cents (1859–1909), Type 2 Copper-Nickel · Only Philadelphia Mint struck Indian Cents in 1862; the "S" mint mark Indian Head Cents did not begin until 1908.

Survival note: Despite a mintage of over 28 million, the copper-nickel alloy's tendency to show contact marks easily means that population reports show relatively few MS-65 or finer survivors. PCGS data indicates the coin is one of the two most common early copper-nickel Indian Head cents in Mint State (alongside 1863), yet gem examples remain genuinely elusive. The ~550 proof coins are similarly scarce in grades above Proof-64.

Describe Your 1862 Indian Head Penny for a Detailed Assessment

Not sure of the grade or variety? Describe what you see in your own words and we'll analyze it for you.

Mention these things if you can

  • Overall condition (worn, shiny, toned)
  • Any doubling visible on reverse
  • Digit anomalies in the date
  • Fine lines or marks near the ear
  • Surface color (gray, brown, reddish)

Also helpful

  • Whether it's been cleaned or polished
  • Any PCGS/NGC certification number
  • Visible nicks, dings, or edge damage
  • What magnification you used
  • How you found the coin (collection, change)

1862 Indian Head Penny Value Chart at a Glance

These ranges are based on published greysheet, PCGS, and market data. For a full step-by-step illustrated in-depth 1862 Indian Head cent identification walkthrough and reference guide, check the link for detailed photo comparisons by condition tier. Highlighted rows: gold = signature variety / red = rarest surface type.

Variety Worn (G–VG) Circulated (F–EF) Uncirculated (MS-60–62) Gem (MS-65+)
Regular Strike (No Error) $8 – $22 $30 – $103 $177 – $330 $1,195 – $8,025+
⭐ DDR FS-801 (Snow-5) $15 – $40 $50 – $250 $300 – $1,500 $2,000 – $9,000+
Misplaced Date FS-301 (S-2) $12 – $35 $45 – $200 $250 – $1,000 $1,500 – $9,000
DDR FS-802 (Snow-6) $12 – $35 $45 – $200 $250 – $1,000 $1,500 – $9,000
Repunched 8/8 (S-7) $15 – $40 $40 – $150 $150 – $500 $300 – $1,500
🔴 File Marks By Ear (S-14) $10 – $30 $30 – $150 $100 – $400 $200 – $1,000
Proof (PF-60 – PF-65) — $525 (PF-60) $1,243 (PF-63) $3,000 – $9,000+ (PF-65)

🪙 CoinHix gives you a fast on-the-go way to scan your 1862 Indian Head Penny and cross-reference its condition tier against live market prices — a coin identifier and value app.

How to Grade Your 1862 Indian Head Penny

1862 Indian Head Penny grading strip showing four examples from Good condition to Gem Uncirculated

😤 Worn (G–VG, $8–$22)

The portrait of Miss Liberty is nearly flat, reduced to a silhouette. The word "LIBERTY" in the headdress is mostly gone — the band is visible but letters are faint or absent. Date and rim lettering are still legible. Surface may show pitting from extended circulation. Even in this grade, the 1862 is a collectable Civil War-era coin.

🟡 Circulated (F–EF, $30–$103)

In Fine condition all major design elements are present and separated. "LIBERTY" on the headband is readable in full. The feather tips are worn flat but individual feathers are distinguishable. Extremely Fine coins retain nearly all detail — only the very highest points (feather tips, cheek, hair curls) show slight flattening.

🔵 Uncirculated (MS-60–62, $177–$330)

No wear anywhere on the surfaces. Rotate under a single light — luster flows in bands from rim to rim. However, many contact marks and bag marks from handling at the Mint are acceptable at this level. The copper-nickel alloy was heavy and coins often marked each other during storage. Expect an average to below-average eye-appeal coin.

💎 Gem (MS-65+, $1,195+)

Virtually mark-free with strong luster. Feather details and shield stripes are fully struck and sharp. The copper-nickel coins often show an attractive bright or lightly toned surface at this level. MS-65 examples are genuinely scarce — population reports confirm relatively few exist. MS-67 and MS-68 examples are extremely rare and drive the top auction results.

🔑 Pro Tip — Color Designations: Unlike later bronze Indian Head cents, the 1862 copper-nickel cent does not receive "Red," "Red-Brown," or "Brown" color designations. However, original-surface examples with full undisturbed luster and pleasing even toning command a premium over dull or improperly cleaned survivors. PCGS and NGC place heavy "Details" penalties on cleaned copper-nickel Indian cents — always present the coin in its original state.

📱 CoinHix lets you photograph your coin and match its surfaces against graded examples instantly — a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1862 Indian Head Penny

The right venue depends on your coin's grade and whether it's an attributed variety. Here are the four best options:

🏛️ Heritage Auctions

The world's largest numismatic auction house and the best destination for gem MS-65+ examples, attributed error varieties (FS-801, FS-802, FS-301), and proof coins. Heritage has a deep pool of serious Indian Head cent collectors. Expect a buyer's premium, but competition among bidders typically drives prices above dealer bid levels for quality coins.

🛒 eBay

eBay is a fast and accessible marketplace for circulated examples in Good through Extremely Fine grades, and for raw (uncertified) uncirculated coins. Browse recently sold prices for 1862 Indian Head Penny listings on eBay to calibrate your asking price before listing. "Sold" filter searches give realistic market comps for your specific grade.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

Local dealers offer immediate payment without shipping risk — ideal for worn G–VF examples where auction fees would eat into thin margins. A reputable dealer will pay 50–70% of retail for common grades, more for an attributed error. Bring comparable eBay sold prices to the meeting. Shops may also offer direct consignment to major shows like ANA conventions.

💬 Reddit (r/CoinSales / r/Coins4Sale)

Reddit's coin selling communities are free to use (no listing fees) and attract knowledgeable buyers. Ideal for mid-range examples in F–AU grades. Requires good photographs and honest descriptions. Verified reputation (comment karma) helps achieve better prices. Check the subreddit rules — they require pricing in the post title and generally prohibit off-platform negotiation.

💡 Get it graded first for high-value coins: If your 1862 Indian Head Penny grades AU-55 or better, or if it shows a possible FS-801 or FS-301 attribution, professional grading by PCGS or NGC will nearly always pay for itself. A certified MS-65 commands $1,195+ vs. approximately $250 for an equivalent raw coin. Variety attribution (FS-801, FS-802) on a certified coin adds meaningful additional premium and marketability across all major venues.

Frequently Asked Questions — 1862 Indian Head Penny

How much is an 1862 Indian Head Penny worth?
A circulated 1862 Indian Head Penny in Good condition is worth around $8–$15, while Fine examples bring $16–$30. Uncirculated (MS-60) coins fetch roughly $160–$177, and gem MS-65 specimens sell for $1,000–$1,200. The all-time auction record is $50,400 for an MS-68 example sold by Stack's Bowers in June 2020. Error varieties like the Doubled Die Reverse command additional premiums above standard values.
What is the rarest 1862 Indian Head Penny variety?
The most famous and sought-after 1862 Indian Head Penny variety is the Doubled Die Reverse FS-801 (Snow-5), which shows dramatic hub doubling in the shield, ribbon, and leaf details on the reverse. It is one of the most coveted doubled dies in the entire Indian Head Cent series. The Misplaced Date FS-301 variety is also highly collectible, with the digit '1' visibly punched into the denticles below the date.
What metal is the 1862 Indian Head Penny made of?
The 1862 Indian Head Penny is composed of 88% copper and 12% nickel, giving it a distinctive light-gray or whitish appearance compared to later bronze cents. This copper-nickel alloy was used from 1859 through 1864 before the Mint switched to bronze. The coin weighs 4.67–4.70 grams and measures 19 mm in diameter. The nickel content gives these coins a harder surface than the later bronze issues.
How many 1862 Indian Head Pennies were made?
The Philadelphia Mint struck 28,075,000 circulation-strike 1862 Indian Head Pennies. This makes 1862 one of the higher-mintage years in the early copper-nickel cent series, surpassed only by 1863 with 49.8 million struck. Additionally, approximately 550 proof specimens were produced for collectors. Despite the large mintage, high-grade survivors are scarce because the heavy copper-nickel planchets suffered contact marks easily.
What does the 1862 Indian Head Penny Doubled Die Reverse look like?
The FS-801 Doubled Die Reverse (Snow-5) shows strong Class V and Class VIII hub doubling on the coin's reverse. Look for distinct doubling in the ribbon at the base of the wreath, the individual leaf elements throughout the wreath, and most prominently in the shield at the top of the reverse. The shield lines appear noticeably doubled when examined under a 5x or 10x loupe. It is attributed by ANACS and cross-referenced as Snow-5.
Is an 1862 Indian Head Penny worth cleaning?
No — cleaning an 1862 Indian Head Penny will almost certainly reduce its value. Collectors and grading services (PCGS, NGC) place heavy penalties on cleaned coins, often grading them 'Details' rather than numerically. A cleaned MS-60 can be worth less than a raw VF. The copper-nickel alloy develops attractive natural patina over 160 years. Always present the coin as-is to a dealer or grading service before considering any surface treatment.
What is the 1862 Indian Head Penny Misplaced Date variety?
The Misplaced Date variety FS-301 (Snow-2) shows the digit '1' punched into the denticles directly below and slightly left of the date numerals. This occurred when a mint worker applied the date punch slightly off position before correcting it in the final position. Under a loupe, the errant '1' is visible below the date as a raised element among the denticles. Greysheet values this variety between $9 and $9,000 depending on condition.
How do I tell if my 1862 Indian Head Penny is uncirculated?
An uncirculated 1862 Indian Head Penny retains complete original mint luster across all surfaces. Slowly rotate it under a single light source — luster should radiate in flowing bands from rim to rim with no dull flat spots. Check the highest design points: the tips of the headdress feathers, Miss Liberty's cheek, and the hair curls just above the date. Any smoothing or loss of surface 'grain' in those areas indicates circulation wear and a lower grade.
Where is the mint mark on an 1862 Indian Head Penny?
There is no mint mark on the 1862 Indian Head Penny. All circulation strikes were produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint in 1862. Philadelphia did not use a mint mark on cents during this era. The approximately 550 proof coins were also struck at Philadelphia. Beginning in 1908 did the San Francisco Mint begin producing Indian Head cents with an 'S' mint mark, making those the only mint-marked Indian Head Pennies.
What is the 1862 Indian Head Penny proof coin worth?
Approximately 550 proof 1862 Indian Head Pennies were struck for collectors. A Proof-60 (impaired proof) example is valued around $525, while a cleaner Proof-63 commands roughly $1,243 according to published price guides. Gem proof examples in PR-65 or better can reach several thousand dollars at auction. Cameo and Deep Cameo designated proofs carry the largest premiums within the proof subset.