1877 Indian Head Cent

Not much at all you can do about the environmental damage. It will "details" the coin no matter what.

As far as slabbing goes, I'd go with ANACS as it would be the most cost effective way of verifying authenticity.

Good luck and to The Community!

I'll say EF details, ED. ANACS is the cheapest to get coins graded.

I agree with above. At reputable auction like Greatcollections this coin could open bid at $1,000.00 costing you no listing fee or sellers fee, coins like this usually fetch about 65% of actual book value due to the reverse damage. Whats important is it be authenticated and given a details grade.
For $39.00 ANACS will grade and ship back to you in 5 days if your in no hurry 15 days for $29.00. Shipping and insurance will set you back approximately $30 x2.
Expect a 2 month wait and about $150 all in costs with PCGS or NGC and the likelihood of no higher return at auction than what it would bring in an ANACS holder. Coins like this are desirable even damaged from watching these I think the coin would probably go for $1,200 due to the awesome obverse.
Why isn't this coin already certified? I'm a contrarion and the only time I've seen VF+ unslabbed 1877 Cents was because they were cast fakes. I've bought a cast 1869 fake that had inconveniently placed environmental damage like yours...not saying yours is but raw is one of the red flags any collector will scrutinize.
I think its authentic but could be wrong? If you want to sell it for what its worth it has to be certified and your going to have to wait for that and the 3 weeks for it to list at auction and 30 days for check. Take it to a dealer and expect a lowball $400 - 500 offer at best.
I'm out on collecting Indian cents but that don't mean I don't slavitate over any 1877 in VF+ your coin has more good going on than bad don't let anyone blow smoke on you with this coin its a scarce coin in this grade. Finally if you need fast money David Lawrence Rare Coins is an option their fair fast and honest and will offer you their top offer the first time no haggling I have sold to them and received very fair money.
A strong wise suggestion when mailing: take numerous pics of coin, pics of the package, insure for minimum $1, 000, send Registered USPS with signature required. Its expensive but not as expensive as USPS saying "sorry we deliverd it too bad so sad".

EF details, environmental damage.

I always think, why would someone with a fat wallet pay this kind of money when a few hundred dollars more buys a pristine example?

Have to agree, that ED is certainly "inconviently placed".

to the CCF

Let us know how it grades when it comes back.