Thoughts on this Proof IHC

nwcoast · January 30, 2022 3:49PM

Another thread, discussing color variations after ‘conservation’ (I’m being kind here) on an Indian Head Cent, got me thinking about one in my collection that has always baffled me.
I am not a copper specialist. I collect Lincoln Cents and a few Coppers here and there but it’s not my focus.
This coin I cherry picked from a Whitman folder at my old LCS for a goodbbusiness strike price. I thought it might be a proof. Showed it to Charmy at a show and she agreed but recommended submission to confirm.
I sent it to our host and it did indeed come in as PF- questionable color- Unc details.
Doesn’t look “off” to me! It’s not blue at least!
What am I missing here?
Seems I’ve seen much more questionable coins straight graded.
Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

The_Dinosaur_Man · January 30, 2022 4:46PM

Might be a little too white for copper, as if it had been dipped a long time ago and then retoned. Hard to tell without seeing it in hand.

relicsncoins · January 30, 2022 5:22PM

Maybe the pinkish hue. From the photos it seems MA.

coinbuf · January 30, 2022 7:38PM

I think the reverse color is what gave pause, I would agree that it seems MA in the photo but an in hand look may reveal a different outcome.

Crypto · January 30, 2022 7:49PM

Over thinking it, resubmit

nwcoast · January 30, 2022 7:58PM

@Crypto said:
Over thinking it, resubmit

You know what, I DID just that, and it came back AGAIN with the same verdict!
That’s why I’m so baffled.
It’s been a handful of years, maybe I’ll give it another shot?
Third time is a charm. Right?

lusterlover · January 30, 2022 8:04PM

As per another thread currently on the board, send to NGC as they are more lenient on copper. Of course it will be worth less than the comparable PCGS grade but.....

291fifth · January 30, 2022 8:10PM

If the color in your photo is accurate it screams "dipped long ago". I wouldn't spend any more money on it.

ricko · January 31, 2022 6:22AM

Looking at the pictures, the color seems MA.... However, the 'long ago dip' is likely. Leave it in an envelope on a sunny window sill for five or six months and resubmit, raw. Cheers, RickO

WAYNEAS · January 31, 2022 3:50PM

I would not resubmit it a third time.
The reverse color looks just like a "treated" coin in the other thread.
Too much of a silvery tone.
Wayne

Type2 · January 31, 2022 6:00PM

Was it smoked?

davewesen · January 31, 2022 7:35PM

interesting coin

I would try again - probably crack and soak in acetone to see if would remove any dirt/gunk
might consider ms70

if not willing to do that would consider service 'conservation' servic4

nwcoast · January 31, 2022 7:54PM

@davewesen said:
interesting coin

I would try again - probably crack and soak in acetone to see if would remove any dirt/gunk
might consider ms70

if not willing to do that would consider service 'conservation' servic4

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.
Acetone dip seems pretty harmless. Perhaps that might remove any old surface film.
Then, aging on a windowsill for awhile could be helpful.
No ms70- thanks. I think that could make matters worse? Unless a blue tinge would be desirable….
Just kidding. I am not fond of the blue result and would not chase it in an auction.

davewesen · January 31, 2022 8:51PM

my experience with MS70 turning blue is it has no effect on the brown or red brown areas, just the red. I do not see much red on your coin, some on periphery and leaves.

to get the color designation, at one time there must have been some color 'floating' on a surface somewhere.
It is also possible a thin layer of pvc is on coin (causing color tinge) and would be great to remove.

good luck

Thoughts on this Proof IHC

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