Accidentally Cherrypicked an Indian Head Cent Proof
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. 

Comments
-
great looking color . How can you tell it's a proof?
3 -
Cool Indian. I don't think it's a proof though.
3 -
@kaz said:
great looking color . How can you tell it's a proof?The coin has mirrorlike fields, without regular cartwheel luster like you would expect to see on a mintstate business strike example.
Successful BST Transactions With: tonedase, streg2, airplanenut, coindeuce, vibr0nic, natetrook, Shrub68, golden, Lakesammman, drddm, Ilikecolor, CoinJunkie, wondercoin, lablover0 -
@FadeToBlack made a video of the coin showing off the fields.
Successful BST Transactions With: tonedase, streg2, airplanenut, coindeuce, vibr0nic, natetrook, Shrub68, golden, Lakesammman, drddm, Ilikecolor, CoinJunkie, wondercoin, lablover2 -
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.
thefinn1 -
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.
thefinn1 -
I hope you are correct. I had a similar looking cent that came back UNC details - cleaned
1 -
Feather details very weak for a proof coin.
1 -
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
2 -
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.
"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
1 -
Maybe but not sure.
1 -
After looking I think it's a BS.
1 -
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
1 -
This content has been removed.
-
Nice coin, interesting debate.
Many happy BST transactions1 -
@Bochiman said:
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.
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.
Successful BST Transactions With: tonedase, streg2, airplanenut, coindeuce, vibr0nic, natetrook, Shrub68, golden, Lakesammman, drddm, Ilikecolor, CoinJunkie, wondercoin, lablover4 -
Beautiful coin but I don't think that it is a proof.
1 -
I, too, have bought Indians as MS that came back PR... and one was from a former grader. They can be deceiving..
The more you VAM..2 -
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?Successful BST transactions with 177 members. breakdown, scotty1419, mattniss, bigjpst, onlyroosies, Manorcourtman, guitarwes, Ebeneezer, Tonedeaf, Shane6596, Piano1, Ikenefic, RG, PCGSPhoto, stman, Don'tTelltheWife, Boosibri, Ron1968, snowequities, VTchaser, jrt103, SurfinxHI, 78saen, bp777, FHC, RYK, JTHawaii, Opportunity, Kliao, bigtime36, skanderbeg, split37, thebigeng, acloco, Toninginthblood, OKCC, braddick, Coinflip, robcool, fastfreddie, tightbudget, DBSTrader2, nickelsciolist, relaxn, Eagle eye, soldi, silverman68, ElKevvo, sawyerjosh, Schmitz7, talkingwalnut2, konsole, sharkman987, sniocsu, comma, jesbroken, David1234, biosolar, Sullykerry, Moldnut, erwindoc, MichaelDixon, GotTheBug1 -
I like your pictures
1 -
Not a proof. The gash on the cheek is a major negative. Probably an AU by wear.
All glory is fleeting.1 -
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.
1 -
MS/PR AU58 details or lower due to the obverse contact on the cheek and what looks like clear rub on the headdress feathers.
1 -
I realize you already sent it in, but if the edge looks like the fields, your chances go up.
1 -
Still a nice find, no matter what the flaws. Nothing is perfect in life. Peace Roy
BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW
1 -
This content has been removed.
-
Nice IHC....I look forward to the TPG disposition.....Great pictures and video. Cheers, RickO
1
Leave a Comment
Categories
- All Categories
- 520K Coins and Currency - PCGS
- 328.5K U.S. Coin Forum
- 14.8K PCGS Set Registry Forum
- 5.2K Q & A Forum
- 41.4K World & Ancient Coins Forum
- 3K U.S. & World Currency Forum
- 96.4K Buy, Sell, & Trade - U.S. Coins
- 7.3K Buy, Sell & Trade - World & Ancient Coins
- 1.5K Buy, Sell & Trade - Currency
- 60 Random
- 246.2K Trading Cards, Autographs and Memorabilia - PSA
- 90.3K Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
- 1.7K Autographs Forum
- 16.4K PSA Set Registry Forum
- 22K Sports Talk
- 115K Buy, Sell & Trade - Cards & Memorabilia
- 663 Buy, Sell & Trade - Autographs
- 2.2K Stamps
- 1.5K Stamps Forum
- 670 Buy, Sell & Trade - Stamps
- 83 Coin Shows
- 83 General Coin Show Information and Discussion
- 11.9K Misc
- 11.9K Testing Forum


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMspNccPgbM




