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Accidentally Cherrypicked an Indian Head Cent Proof
Kyle
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I picked this up online a few weeks ago; the seller's photos of the coin weren't great, but I could tell there was some color hiding on the surfaces. Can't say I was expecting it to be a proof, so that was a nice surprise!
@FadeToBlack took some regular and axial photos of the coin for me. 
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great looking color . How can you tell it's a proof?
Cool Indian. I don't think it's a proof though.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
The coin has mirrorlike fields, without regular cartwheel luster like you would expect to see on a mintstate business strike example.
@FadeToBlack made a video of the coin showing off the fields.
I don't see square rims like a proof should have. It may have been an early strike on proof dies put into business-strike production.
Pictures of the edge and rim would help determine proof status. Definitely has mirrored fields. Worth sending to ANACS for $20 or so to get it settled.
I hope you are correct. I had a similar looking cent that came back UNC details - cleaned
Feather details very weak for a proof coin.
Nice looking toning.
Can you tell if it has been cleaned though?
Given some of the "non-crispness", that's what worries me on it, thinking it may not be a proof.
As mentioned, maybe ANACS, just to see, and then, if comfortable about it grading as a proof, and actually grading, PCGS.
I haven't pulled out my 1887 proof, to compare, but just something in the photos has me wondering.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
The mirror flash in the video looks like a Proof otherwise that would be a very strong PL for a business strike.
On PCGS Coinfacts, there are a few that look like they have similar strikes on the feathers with most being stonger.
Here are all the photos in the Brown category. Red and Red-Brown are in different links.
pcgscoinfacts.com/CoinImages.aspx?s=2348
"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
Maybe but not sure.
After looking I think it's a BS.
At the end of the day, I hope I, and others, are wrong, and it is a proof that you found.
Personally, if you, inhand, don't think it has been cleaned and that is the reason for the toning and the proof like surfaces, then I would find it worthwhile to try in a submission.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Nice coin, interesting debate.
Nothing jumped out screaming it had been cleaned, which is a good sign. The coin was submitted to PCGS at the ANA show; I will update this thread when the grade is posted. Proof or not, it's got nice color which is why I bought it!
Thanks for all the comments, everyone.
Beautiful coin but I don't think that it is a proof.
I, too, have bought Indians as MS that came back PR... and one was from a former grader. They can be deceiving..
Yes, I agree, an interesting coin with nice color, and great job with multiple photos and a video.
I also don't think it's a Proof, but we will see.
Wondering since you stated this "The coin has mirrorlike fields, without regular cartwheel luster", if perhaps a very light layer of lacquer or something was applied long ago?
I like your pictures
Not a proof. The gash on the cheek is a major negative. Probably an AU by wear.
In my experience coins that look like the one in the video come back as altered surfaces. I hope I am wrong and wish you luck with your submission.
MS/PR AU58 details or lower due to the obverse contact on the cheek and what looks like clear rub on the headdress feathers.
I realize you already sent it in, but if the edge looks like the fields, your chances go up.
Still a nice find, no matter what the flaws. Nothing is perfect in life. Peace Roy
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Nice IHC....I look forward to the TPG disposition.....Great pictures and video. Cheers, RickO