Hello, This week I got a question from a Elizabeth Oak from Meadville. First of all, I was happy to hear from a Meadville person for a change of pace.

She wanted to know how much an 1861 Indian Head Penny was worth these days. Fortunately, she knew what the condition was for this penny.

To refresh your memory on the different conditions, I thought I'd give you a sample. This is not a complete list but is just a refresher course. I got this information from my favorite magazine called “Coin.”

About Good or Fair: A coin identifiable by date and mint but otherwise badly worn, with only parts of the lettering showing. Such coins are of value to collectors only as space fillers and command a significant premium only in cases of extreme scarcity

Good: In this condition only the basic design detail remains distinguishable in outline form with all points of detail being worn smooth. ''Liberty'' has disappeared, and rims are nearly merging with the lettering.

Very Good: Coins show considerable wear, with most of the points of detail worn nearly smooth. At least three letters must show where ''Liberty'' appears in a headband. On 20th century coinage, the rim is starting to merge with the lettering.

Fine: this is the most widely collected condition. Coins show evidence of moderate to considerable but generally even wear on all high points, though all elements of the design and lettering remain bold. Where ''Liberty'' appears on the headband, it must be fully visible. The rim must be fully raised and sharp on 20th-century coins.

Very Fine: Coins reflect noticeable wear at the fine points in the design, though they may remain sharp overall. Although the details will be slightly smoothed, all lettering and major features must remain sharp.

Extremely Fine: coins must show only slight evidence of wear on the highest points of the design, particularly in the hair lines of the portrait on the obverse and the eagle's feathers and wreath found on most U.S. coins. A trace of mint luster may show in protected areas of the coin's surface.

Well, that is all I can type tonight as my fingers are getting tired. Getting to Elizabeth's question again, the best I can tell her is that her penny could range in worth from $20 to $25. She said that it was in Good condition so, that is what I'm basing this on.

Thank you for reading Coin Corner and here is a picture of the 1861 Indian Head Penny.