I.H.C. Advice needed on which to buy with $8,000 to spend? (Already bought 1877 from Eagle Eye)
Tomthemailcarrier
Posts: 641 ✭✭✭✭✭
I really like Indian Head Cents. Maybe it comes from my time as a paperboy in the 60's when I'd occasionally get them from customers. I recently purchased an MS 63 bn from Rick Snow in Denver. I'm quite happy with it and pleased that I waited to view his different 1877's in hand so that I could choose that one coin right for me. I want to buy a few (1-4) others over the next year or so. Which ones would any IHC specialists recommend?
The copper nickel ones from the civil war era intrigue me. I like both the look and the civil war era coin. I've considered the 1864 with the L on the ribbon too. Then there is the 1909-s. It'd be good to own a branch mint IHC.
So what year, grade and finish would you folks recommend? I understand that vivid toning is the thing these days but it just doesn't appeal to me. Give me a red brown or brown coin that looks just right and I'm a happy camper.
Thank you for your advice. I was leaning towards an 1877 with a proof finish reasoning that I'd get more coin for the money until I asked on this forum for input. The Penny Lady seconded that opinion when I talked with her in Denver.
Comments
I recommend anything that interests you.
I tend to like IHC proofs myself.
You're off to a great start! Your 1877 is an awesome piece to build a collection around. 1870 and '71 are some tough years to find if you like the hunt. I like your idea of getting a copper nickel type also; they can be very beautiful in comparable price range to your '77. Have you considered maybe even a "flyer"? Of course as mentioned by @ChrisRx ... what interests you is ultimately the deciding factor.
I like to focus on the tough ones first. Maybe something from '69 - '72?
The branch mint is fun...'08 or '09...but easier to locate nice.
I also like the idea of a FE cent.
Lance.
It seems as if you more interested in better dates or something with a story than you are in a complete set. That might make sense financially since common dates or “widgets” are so out of favor right now.
I collected Indian cents when I was high school, all in circulated grades, and lost my shirt on them when I sold. It was a matter of paying retail, and selling when the market was totally in the tank for the coins. Okay, maybe collecting “widgets” is not such a good idea …
Among the better dates, the 1869 through 1872 are all tough although they don’t get as much press as the 1877. The 1908-S is interesting because it was the first cent to be struck at a branch mint. The 1909-S in cool because of the low mintage. The Civil War dates are interesting because of their time frame. You could put together a set in Choice (63) to Gem (65) Mint State without a lot of heavy lifting.
Here is one to wet your appetite. The 1863 is the most common Civil War date.
I think that the 1864-L is a little over rated, but maybe that's just me. The 1864 Plain is unusual because it is the on bronze Indian Cent that does not have the "L."
And here is nice Flyer.
It is a very attractive coin, but the design is hardly orginal. Longacre borrowed it from Gobrecht.
I hope this gets you thinking. The Flyers and Indians are an interesting set. Unlike the other 19th century sets, there aren't any impossible mint marks to find.
I'd try to find a numismatist you are comfortable with and shares your collecting philosophy and aesthetics. It wouldn't hurt to buy a top rate book or two to help build your enjoyment of the hobby.
What does Eagle Eye suggest ... can't imagine a better set of recommendations
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Thank you for your suggestions. The images were fine to look at! I think I'll include a Flying Eagle cent too since I've always found them cool.
I would be looking at Angel Dees selection for sure.
There are some very nice gems there!
excellent coins, Bill
Tom, IHC's were always in my family. I inherited a set that was not complete from my father, but they were all coins that he found in circulation and included the 1908-S and the 1909-S........but not the 1877. My father was born in 1902 so he had a chance to assemble his set out of circualtion. I still have his collection and have decided to leave it as is.
In 2012 I was at the ANA in Denver and I spent some time with Rick Snow and wanted an 1877 in MS65RD........but instead liked and bought a PR65RB for a lot less $$. I found the look of the proof coins to be very much superior to the MS coins and my set was born. I completed my set of PR IHC's about a year ago and have been very happy that I decided on the PR coins.
With copper coins, grading is not only numerical but based upon color as well. Most IHC's are RB or BN. RD coins are only 10-15% of the Pop. And of that 10-15% many RD coins are not original, so unless you have a great eye they are very risky as to real value amongst serious collectors of the same. High grade RB and BN coins are the basis of a great set. And from a visual comparison, the PR coins are vastly superior, as one might expect. Interestingly, out of the top ten IHC PR Registry sets, 6 or 7 are predominately toned BN and RB sets, 2 are RB sets and only one is an RD/CAM set which is #1 obviously.
Welcome to a great series, Tom.
OINK
1859 ... do get that reverse...
Here is mine in 58 pcgs:
Numismatics & Photography
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I would try to find a nice 1858 pattern.
My Adolph A. Weinman signature
I Love the 1858 Indian cent pattern. They are rarer than the 1856 Flying Eagle patterns at afraction of the price:
What a wonderful set to have! Your dad's set that was found in circulation that was missing only one coin.....the 1877. The fact that he never parted with it during his lifetime is in itself an accomplishment. To me coins are a connection to the past and the people and events of that time. You have both the historical connection and the personal one. Congratulations on a fine set of Indian's that are truly meaningful.
And thank you for your advice. I have a lot to ponder.
I would suggest a nice 1872 in Brown color, really tough date and always popular!
Kind regards,
George
I agree with the recommendations so far. The 1909-S looks good in red brown, especially when it has wood grain toning and it will cost less the $8k. The 1894/4 is also a nice variety coin.
I can certainly agree with ARC on the 1858 IHC Pattern, although I do like the one with the "different" shield on the reverse 1858 1C Indian Head / Ornamental shield. Snow-PT25. J-212
https://www.indiancent.com/index.php/indian-cents/1858-1c-indian-head-ornamental-shield-snow-pt25-j-212-pcgs-pr65.html
...and you would still have half of your $8K
I would go for one of the BIG varieties 1873 1C DDO for instance.
http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/2115
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Got a set in plastic myself. Capital holders are plastic, you know ?
IHC's are great coins and an interesting series. You have already established a great connection with Rick Snow.... and another potential source in Charmy..... between the two, I would say you can get the best advice and fantastic coins for your collection...Best of luck...Cheers, RickO
I would tend towards the scarce 1866-1872 era, looking for out of the ordinary specimens, eye appealing, originality, more red than brown, spot free, well struck, etc. Proofs were saved and minted in qty. They will always be around.