Is anyone experienced with proof Indian Head Cents?

dan1ecu

Sometime in the future, I will want to add a very nice proof Indian cent to my type set. I realize that a piece with great eye appeal will bring a premium price. Does anybody have any advice regarding what to look for? Are there any dates that come particularly well-struck? What do you think are the most desirable qualities in a proof Indian cent? A dealer named Snow certifies Indian cents, doesn’t he? Do you find that his seal of approval is well respected?

Thanks,

Dan

pontiacinf

look for shylock...he knows a thing or 2...LOL

beelzebud

I have his Indian head book that he published in my coin library and would definitely recommend it. However, I wasnt aware that he is certifying Indian cents.

Bill

Lakesammman

Both recommendations are good. Shylock has a very good eye - if he finds a beautifully toned one, though, don't expect him to offer it to you! I've purchased several from Shylock with no problems.

Snow "photoseals" coins, his stamp of approval on previously certified coins (if he agrees with the grade). He doesn't certify per se. His inventory and knowledge are second to none.....but be sure the coin appeals to YOU as you are the one who has to live with it. I've purchased several from him and can recommend him highly too.

For a small fee, you can have a dealer represent you at a auction though the odds of being successful and happy with the coin are much improved by being there in person.

Good luck.

Pushkin

Both Rick Snow (Eagle Eye Rare Coins) RickSnow and AA Coins AA Coins maintain excellent inventories of proof Indian Head cents.

JJTeaparty Teaparty often has some nice proof Indians - contact Gail Watson at JJTeaparty for a description - their photos usually aren't so good.

Some of the earlier dates in proofs are actually less costly than many of the later dates. The brillance, color, irridescence, etc. of proofs covers a very wide range - best that you take a look at a few first (in person) to get a feel for what is available. You can purchase some really nice certified proofs - MS64 RB or BN for as little as $200 (even less).

Good luck,

shylock

Dan -- as far as "what do you think are the most desirable qualities in a proof cent?", it may be more important what you find desirable, what will fit in with the rest of your type coins, and how much you're willing to spend.

The classic example is full red (RD) with at least some cameo on the profile and wreath.
The extreme examples are toned from the tissue wrappers they were issued in, and come in almost every color of the rainbow, monochromatic or in combinations (usually labeled RB or BN).
The middle of the road example is mellowed red in tone (RB), without cameo contrast but immaculate in strike and often the most consistent and beautiful to the eye.

Whichever example you choose, deeply mirrored fields are strongly recommended both for eye appeal and to contrast against the MS example in your type set. RD examples typically cost more, which make some of the nice RB & BNs a great buy. Prices don't vary by date as much as MS IHs due to more consistent preservation, but even a common date PR65RD will cost over 1K (for a nice example) due to low mintages across the board. The copper-nickel dates (1859-64) seem to retain their cameo in higher percentages than the bronze coins.

Here are some extreme examples:

Tissue Toned BNs & RBs
Classic Red
Beautiful RB

Pushkin

Hey Shylock,

Are you sure that "Beautiful RB" 1885 wasn't cleaned? Ok, Ok, just kidding.

dan1ecu

I appreciate the information!

Those purple mint wrapper toned proof Indians are beautiful. Being labeled “brown” by the grading services, they seem like a good value. It should be fun shopping for just the right one...

Dan

CLASSICS

THANKS FOR THE PICTURES. THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL.

IrishMike

I love them all, but the ones with purple toning, well I can't get enough of them, at least the pictures.

BigD5

When I was looking for a proof indian head cent, I headed towards the crimson/purple toned examples. The eye appeal on them is fantastic. To me anyway. As mentioned above, a nice pr/64 rb won't bust the budget, and can be very attractive. Good luck in your search.

IrishMike

As an interesting sidelight to this thread, a few months back I purchased this 1907 from a guy at a local coin show, who mostly sells world coins. I liked the purple coloring in the coin and it seemed well struck for an MS. Well I put a picture up here and with the help of the board members we deteremined it is a proof Had to yank it out of my album.Link