1870 Indian Cent "Pick Axe" variety - anyone still care about those?
seanq
Posts: 8,715 ✭✭✭✭✭
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
Thanks,
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
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Comments
I have a PCGS MS65RD in a green label holder,
maybe the top pop?
Hoard the keys.
Here is the PCGS MS65RD
Ron
Edited to add: Oops, someone beat me to it.
<< <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.
The Penny Lady®
<< <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.
Neat coin!
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.
The Penny Lady®
I hope you all appreciate the free education we get here on ocassion from true experts
<< <i>Hey folks
I hope you all appreciate the free education we get here on ocassion from true experts >>
I sure do
If it were my series I would go after all three pick axe varieties.
<< <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
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
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.