So of course the 1877 is one of the few I need to complete my collection, but of course the rarest and most expensive. I get on ebay every so often to see if I could get a lucky deal. I found this one which right now the bidding isn't completely out of my range, although it has 2 days left so who knows, I'm sure it will jump. Anyway, does the first 7 in the 77 look a little odd to you? It looks more worn then any of the other 3 numbers in the date and possibly a little crooked. I'm an amateur coin collector at best, so was wondering if a more experienced eye could tell from this photo. Thanks.
It's hard to say from that photo. But you are smart to be suspicious about any raw 1877 IHC. Lots of fakes out there. I think the second 7 is more troubling in that photo. Many 1879's became 1877's. Sometimes counterfeiters altered both digits so they would look alike. Look for the usual diagnostics first...the N in ONE and the N in CENTS. The lower right of the former, and the upper left of the latter, must be weak. If you have that, it is likely genuine. The IHC in question appears to have some environmental damage (corrosion). Maybe you don't care or maybe you expect some of this at the price offered. Lance. (edit typo)
For the 1877 I would stick with a trusted dealer - a few extra bucks is worth it. A picture of the reverse would help.
Thanks everyoine, I never really paid attention to second 7, my focus was on the first since it seems more worn then the rest of the numbers. I know it's a low grade coin, but so are most of my other IHC. My father collected them and I have just been trying to track down the coins to fill in the gaps. I think it would be nice to have a complete collection of them, even if they are low grade. Here is a picture of the reverse. It's currently going for $181 with 25 bidders and a little over 2 days left. I pretty much couldn't afford more than $350 at this time (Think a coin of this condition would go that high in two more days?). I'll probably hold off, but IDK yet I'll see how the bidding is in two days.
That IHC has been modified, or at least looks to have been and you don't need an iffy coin. An iffy coin is always a problem coin. It's best to buy from a seller who honestly knows what they're selling. Silver ASE's, US Mint coins with their original packaging or even most certified slabbed coins are fairly safe to buy on ebay. That said, when you are buying a coin that has known counterfeits, modifications and trickery. It's best to see an expert, there are a couple that I know about right here on this forum, look around and you will learn their names. good luck!!
thanks, I think I'll hold off on this one and save a little more to buy from a more reliable source. Question though, Do services like PCGS grade and slab low grade coins like this? A grade of G, possibly a low VG is about all I could ever afford for an 1877 (until I win the lotto anyway). I figure they might since it is a rarer one.
i've seen an 1877 slabbed fr-2 once, so yes, they will grade that low. however, it would have to be 100% problem free (i.e. no environmental damage, corrosion, etc.) to get it. there are over 1500 slabbed g to vf, so keep looking, they pop up frequently. another thought, if you don't mind one with minor problems, is look for one slabbed "genuine." some are in the grade range you are looking for.
The 1877 Indian Head Cent is the perfect example of a coin that should be bought in a slab from a respected TPG; PCGS, NGC or ANACS.
Remember the same reverse hub was used on the 1872 and 1877 Indian cents so even with the correct week N of one it could be an altered 1872 to look like a 1877 . Listen to the people who said stick to slabbed coins for this date . Rusty
There are a couple slabbed AG-3 Indians for sale on Ebay right now but both sellers are asking too much for them IMO: http://cgi.ebay.com/1877-1c-NGC-AG-3-BN-/170624451491?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item27ba0283a3 http://cgi.ebay.com/1877-AG3-Indian...t=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2a086bd028/url If I were you I would pass on the coin in question and wait for a certified coin in your price range. Here is another example of ,IMO, a reasonably priced low grade 1877 Indian but it is a raw coin: http://cgi.ebay.com/1877-Indian-Cen...26?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item19c48be2e6 Keep looking and you will find the coin for you. I recently filled the 1877 Indian hole in my collection with a PCGS certified G-6 example that I bought off Ebay. I paid $679.95. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...si=Asm6eeSQEkRguqBpa%2FDAza8iaRM%3D&viewitem= Keep searching. you'll find a coin that fits into your collection at a price your comfortable paying.
Yeah, I find that most of the buy it now prices are way to high. I might keep my eye on the $487 one, it looks legit and the seller has 99.8% positive feedback with over 20,000 sales. I don't know if I can come up with another $140 before it ends, but I'm selling a few coins on ebay right now, so I might be able to do it before the 20 days is up, assuming somebody don't beat me to it by then. Thanks for sharing.
The one your considering from TECC would most likely get a genuine/details grade from Pcgs/Ngc. Though TECC is reputable dealer. I'm sure if you ask Budgood he would vouch for them
Here's another low grade 1877 that you might be able to snipe at a low price. It's hard to tell from the photos just how bad the corrosion noted on the coin is but the seller does state he's offering a 100% money back guarantee if not satisfied. http://cgi.ebay.com/1877-Indian-Cen...otn=14&po=LCA&ps=63&clkid=8508859988338274455
Here's a good way to tell (not definitive, but weeds out a lot of fakes.) this is a pic of a fake one. Notice where the last feather points (line 1) vs. the correct position (line 2). As others have said condition makes it tough to tell. Did you weigh it?
Hey i found one recently myself that i know is authentic found in my grandfathers shop B/S/T offerings must be in the classifieds. Phone number is probably over the internet from the bots.Removed for your protection.
