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 Replies: 19 / Views: 3,358 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3098 Posts |
I purchased this 1890 Indian Head cent on ebay in an auction with fuzzy photos and won it for $13. I received it today and it has me intrigued. It's a nice red and brown with some attractive woodgrain toning. It is also very sharply struck with raised rims at least part way around. When held at an angle it has extremely reflective surfaces, almost like a proof. I don't know if it might possibly be a proof, but it has a much sharper appearance than other mint state Indians I've owned, so I thought I would post some photos and see what people think. A nice "woodie" circulation strike or, possibly, just possibly, something more? Sorry, I tried to take photos of the reflective surfaces, but couldn't capture them without all sorts of glare. I suppose what I think is proof or proof-like could also be dipped or cleaned. My feelings won't be hurt if folks say it's a circulation strike - Honest! I'm here to learn. I've also attached the seller's photos.    Paul Bulgerin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3644 Posts |
Paul which pics are the sellers?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3098 Posts |
The seller's photos are the bottom ones.
The coin is brighter than my photos show. I'm working to try and get some better ones that show the reflective surfaces.
Paul Bulgerin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3644 Posts |
Wow its amazing the difference lighting can make. Sellers photos make the coin look washed out and having had a cleaning. Very nice coin sorry I cant answer your question on the proof possiblity but nice grab for sure
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
683 Posts |
I can sort of see what you mean, however some of the coloration around the 9o'clock area on the obverse leads Me to think cleaning and or dipping.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
Here are a couple more photos. I just can't capture the reflective surfaces. There is a mark on the cheek, which lends weight to a circulation strike. The coin is brighter than my first two photos in the original post.   Paul Bulgerin
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12477 Posts |
I'm not that learned on IHCs but, you may have something there. Either way, whether proof or a nice MS, I think it was a good buy for $13.  In Memory of Crazyb0 12-26-1951 to 7-27-2020
In Memory of Tootallious 3-31-1964 to 4-15-2020
In Memory of T-BOP 10-12-1949 to 1-19-2024
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Moderator
 United States
188052 Posts |
Job well done on this purchase. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3644 Posts |
Last set of pics to my eyes and preference are even better I love it! This is why I take multiple pics with different lighting at different angles when I take them-just look at these last pics vs sellers pics, unbelievable
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Rest in Peace
10197 Posts |
That mark on the cheek may not mean circulation, roll storage and even storage in 2x2 will put tension on that highest point area. New pix help, but those streaks bother me. the way the "toning has progressed indicates a wiping with a cloth and possibly a cleaning solvent in the past. That would be a shame, but it is still a beautifully struck example. Porous enough to be a business strike IMHO.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
To me it looks like someone cleaned it and is trying very hard to retone it. The last reverse pic is very telling.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Agree. Coin lacks curb appeal whatever its issues.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
Forty more photos and I still can't capture the reflective surfaces.
I think I'll stop by my local coin shop sometime this week and show it to the owner to get his opinion.
Sorry, but the photos really don't do justice to the colors. It's one of those "gotta see it in hand" kind of coins.
Paul Bulgerin
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Moderator
United States
188052 Posts |
Quote:
Sorry, but the photos really don't do justice to the colors. It's one of those "gotta see it in hand" kind of coins. Understood.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
I keep trying to get photos that show the reflective surfaces on this coin. I haven't yet had a chance to get to my local coin store to show the coin to the owner and get his opinion on it. If the owner thinks it might be a proof I'll probably end up submitting it for grading. Here's a shot that sort of catches the fields, but not the bright color and luster. Frustrating!  Paul Bulgerin
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Valued Member
Canada
324 Posts |
very sharp looking edges which could mean proof but I believe its a well struck BU coin. incredible deal. great eye appeal for a Red/Brown coin.
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Replies: 19 / Views: 3,358 |
Posted 11/25/2017 8:58 pm
