1870 Indian Cent "Pick Axe" variety - anyone still care about those?

seanq

Just curious if there is any collector interest in this variety, as I recently spotted one in a low grade but haven't pulled the trigger on a purchase. Since the date is already a semi-key and expensive by Indian Cent standards, does the variety realize any premium when offered?


Thanks,

Sean Reynolds

BigRick

Definitely.

tightbudget

They still definitely command a premium when offered. I'm not up to date with the prices on these, but I think it's roughly 10-20% for circulated grades.

1intheneck

I used to think there was a lot of interest in the Pick Axe, but lately not so much. Its not recognized by PCGS as a major variety (unless it has a shallow N). There are a few different Pick Axe varieties dependent on the reverse.

BWRC

I have a PCGS MS65RD in a green label holder,

maybe the top pop?

Type2

Do you have a pic of this one, I like to see what I may be looking for. I cherryed this one 2 or 3 mo back.

BWRC

Here is the PCGS MS65RD

ArizonaJack

Brian, you never cease to amaze me. I would have expected a Rick or Charmy responce sooner :-)

DIMEMAN

I like varieties, but not familiar with pick axe. Is that just another name for DDR?

melvin289

Please tell - What is a Pick Axe variety?

Ron

Edited to add: Oops, someone beat me to it.

ThePennyLady

<< <i>Brian, you never cease to amaze me. I would have expected a Rick or Charmy responce sooner :-) >>



Sorry not to get to this sooner (I'm getting ready for another show) - but I really LOVE the pick axe variety, and would absolutely LOVE to have Brian's in my personal set! I believe this is still a popular variety among Indian cent enthusiasts, regardless of whether it is necessary for the variety registry set. When choosing a coin for my collection, one of the most important things I look for, besides eye appeal, is uniqueness and the pick axe Indian cent is very unique, and I believe this bold uniqueness still attracts others as well and continues to make this a popular variety. and does in deed still command a premium.

By the way, the S-7 pick axe variety is an Indian cent with some die gauges or as Rick's book states "die damage" that appear to be in the shape of a pick axe next to the ribbon/curl on the 1870 Indian cent. Take a look at Brian's photo - the pick axe is very clear and bold.

BWRC

<< <i>

<< <i>Brian, you never cease to amaze me. I would have expected a Rick or Charmy responce sooner :-) >>



Sorry not to get to this sooner (I'm getting ready for another show) - but I really LOVE the pick axe variety, and would absolutely LOVE to have Brian's in my personal set! I believe this is still a popular variety among Indian cent enthusiasts, regardless of whether it is necessary for the variety registry set. When choosing a coin for my collection, one of the most important things I look for, besides eye appeal, is uniqueness and the pick axe Indian cent is very unique, and I believe this bold uniqueness still attracts others as well and continues to make this a popular variety. and does in deed still command a premium.

By the way, the S-7 pick axe variety is an Indian cent with some die gauges or as Rick's book states "die damage" that appear to be in the shape of a pick axe next to the ribbon/curl on the 1870 Indian cent. Take a look at Brian's photo - the pick axe is very clear and bold. >>



Hi Charmy,

I will bring this S-7 and a few others to Long Beach, see you there.

DIMEMAN

Thanks Charmy I see it now.

Neat coin!

ThePennyLady

Thanks Brian - can't wait to see your beauties! And here is more info from Rick's Attribution Guide:

This is a variety that has caught the fancy of collectors.
It is not too scarce, being paired with at least five
different reverses. Oddly, the obverse does not deteriorate
over its lifetime, as no examples have been noted
with many die cracks.

Two die pairs are listed as S7 because both are the
same reverse type (Shallow N - Type 1) and neither has
a distinctive variety. Collectors will typically only want
to collect one example. Three die pairs are found with
the Type 2 reverse, Bold N over Shallow N. These are
all considered separate varieties because the reverse dies
are all doubled dies. There is one die pair known with
the Type 3 reverse with the Bold N. Collectors interested
in the variety may choose to collect all three type reverses,
in which case the die pair with the Type 3 reverse
will be the most challenging.

The cause of the die damage is a mystery, but it is
very similar to the famous 1804 Spiked-chin half-cent.
The popularity of this variety may rival that variety in
years to come.

ArizonaJack

Hey folks
I hope you all appreciate the free education we get here on ocassion from true experts

LotsoLuck

<< <i>Hey folks
I hope you all appreciate the free education we get here on ocassion from true experts >>



I sure do

DIMEMAN

If it were my series I would go after all three pick axe varieties.

seanq

<< <i>Hey folks
I hope you all appreciate the free education we get here on occasion from true experts >>



Absolutely, and I always try to return the favor the rare times someone asks a question to which my knowledge applies.

Here's the one I spotted the other day, I actually think this variety shows up better in lower grades. I still haven't pulled the trigger on it because at the current asking price I have the feeling that even taking the cherrypick into account, I'd end up buried in it (it's happened to me before, it isn't pretty). If someone likes it and has the wherewithall to snoop it out while I'm waffling, no hard feelings.




Sean Reynolds

cmerlo1

I've cherrypicked lots of them, and they do sell for a premium. Still a variety I look for.

1intheneck

I have one in PCGS XF45, a Snow-17.

Walkerguy21D

It's one of my favorite dates in the series from a 'sleeper' perspective. I have 4 ranging from F to AU, but none with any of the significant die varieties - just two with the Shallow N and two with the Bold N.

Lakesammman

Interesting, "naked eye" variety, 2 stars in Snow's guide.

Most variety collectors prefer to cherry pick these - I think it would be hard to get a premium - unless the reverse pairing is rare (5 reverses) and you can find the one person looking for it.