Updated. 1859 Indian Head Cent. Die chip was flash. Run of the mill 1859.

PocketArt

I purchased this raw today at a local auction. I noticed when viewing the coin a very distinct die chip anomaly, or, something going on with the bottom inside loop of "9." I also noticed a raised semi-circular device within the upper loop of "9."

I'm not sure if this is a Snow variety. I looked at the (3) RPD varieties PCGS attributes, as same in Cherrypickers, and this does not match up. I believe there are a few more RPD 1859 cents; but I couldn't cross-reference any photo's.

Any idea, thoughts? Please comment, and share any info. Thanks.

Also, whats the best way to get ride of the black crud around date? Toothpick? Light application of course.

Updated pics after cleaning out flash, and "gunk" from date with a fine thorn. Pictured below.

LanceNewmanOCC

.
poke it with a stick

or a dried rose thorn.
.

PocketArt

@LanceNewmanOCC said:
.
poke it with a stick

or a dried rose thorn.
.

I just don't want to disrupt surfaces; alter condition that may hinder grade. That's all. May try rose thorn if others approve. Thanks.

ricko

I recommend you leave that cent as is.....any work, even with a rose thorn, will be obvious in that general black discoloration... It is an accumulation of residues from years of handling. Cheers, RickO
c

PocketArt

Cleaned out area with thorn. Flash gone; just a run of the mill 1859. Didn't realize "flash" would occur on cents; I guess more accustomed to Morgan Dollars having this effect...surprisingly @ricko no change in color concerning original color, and appearance. I'd guess as you did yet not the case. Cent retains original color after "gunk" removed.

ricko

@PocketArt....Good work... and I am glad that the color did not change...Not always the case though. I am surprised that what appeared to be a raised feature inside the loop of the nine has disappeared. Cheers, RickO

Hemispherical

Nice before and after pics @PocketArt.

Type2

@PocketArt said:

@LanceNewmanOCC said:
.
poke it with a stick

or a dried rose thorn.
.

I just don't want to disrupt surfaces; alter condition that may hinder grade. That's all. May try rose thorn if others approve. Thanks.

Should be green rose thorn not a dried one or it will scratch the coin. Just a heads up.

LanceNewmanOCC

@Type2 said:
Should be green rose thorn not a dried one or it will scratch the coin. Just a heads up.

I've used and prefer the dried hard ones as I am pretty careful but I agree that recommendations to random people should be for the softer green ones. ty
.