1861 Indian Cent...and The Grade Is?

XF45

@biokemist - I'm thinking it's been cleaned, too. I say that because there's no real toning and the coin is just too shiny. Why do you say it's been cleaned (trying to learn!)

Thx,

Jeff

XF nice 61

The first thing that caught my eye is the large patch of hairlines running across the neck from chin to hair. The second thing that caught my eye is the unnatural amount of crustiness around the protected areas. Other hairlines can be seen when you look carefully at the fields and those scratches are the surest sign of abrasive cleaning. The crustiness of the coin, especially the lumpy areas around the wreath, tells me that that it spent some time underground. Unfortunately, many ground finds receive harsh scrubbings. I know your photos are very bright but I imagine that it does not have the typical tan patina of a circulated cupronickel Indian Head cent, instead more of a splotchy brown color?

Thank you all for your input. It helps a lot! I'm learning more every day and enjoying it.