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What is a 1804 Indian head penny worth?

The value of an 1804 Indian head penny (also known as a Draped Bust Cent) can vary widely depending on its condition and rarity. Here are some factors that affect the value of an 1804 Draped Bust Cent:

Condition: The overall condition of the coin plays a significant role in determining its value. Coins that have good surface details and minimal wear will generally be worth more than those that are heavily worn or damaged.

Rarity: The 1804 Draped Bust Cent is not particularly rare compared to other early U.S. cents, but it can still be considered somewhat scarce. There were approximately 192,000 1804 Draped Bust Cents minted, which is a lower mintage compared to some other years in the series.

Variety: There are a few different varieties of the 1804 Draped Bust Cent that can affect its value. For example, there is a variety with a small "4" in the date (known as the "Small 4" variety) and another variety with a large "4" (known as the "Large 4" variety). The Large 4 variety is generally considered to be slightly rarer and more valuable than the Small 4 variety.

Strike: The strike of a coin refers to how well the design was impressed onto the coin during the minting process. A coin with a sharp strike and clear details will generally be worth more than one with a weak strike and indistinct details.

Luster: Luster refers to the shine and brilliance of a coin's surface. Coins with original mint luster are generally more desirable and valuable than those that have been cleaned or polished.

Based on these factors, the value of an 1804 Indian head penny (Draped Bust Cent) can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a well-worn example to several thousand dollars or more for a coin with exceptional condition, rarity, strike, and luster. It's always a good idea to get an expert opinion from a qualified numismatist to determine the accurate value of a specific coin.