Expert: PAPAJACK - 6/11/2008

Question
Ok, heres another question...I found a 1908 Indian Head Penny in ?very fair? condition. There is a employee here in my bank who does grading (not proffesional) and she told me the coin is in GREAT condition. On the Lady Liberty's head dress you can still see the detail of the feathers and the design in the band. And on the reverse side, between the wheat there is a sheild. I think this may be a mint mark but Im not clear on that.There are very little scratches and the letters are in great condition and very ledgible. So, maybe I could get some "numbers" for this coin also?? Thanks a million, Kim.

Answer
Hello Kim,                                       

All values I may quote you are estimates for collectors at retail levels.

The 1908 Indian cent with no mint mark sells from $1 in grade 4 to $7 in grade 50. However a 1908 with the S mint mark sells from $40 in grade 4 to $150 in grade 50. The Mint Mark Letter if any will be located below the bow in the wreath on the back of the coin.

For a 1908 no mint mark Indian Head Cent:

Very Good (Grade-8) at least 3 letters of Liberty in headband = $1.25
Fine (grade-12) all letters of liberty show in headband = $2.00
Very Fine (grade-20) all the letters in headband evenly plain. = $3.00
Extremely Fine (grade-40) All letters are sharp and distinct as is the whole headband. = $7.00 and
Almost Un-circulated (grade-50) Very little wear, most of the mint luster shows etc. = $15.00

But the 1098-S is more valuable;
Very Good condition about $20 to $40 dollars,
Fine condition about $50.00   
Extremely Fine condition $74.00 and in
Almost Uncirculated condition for $90

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack