I have these pictures that I just took of an Indian Head cent that was sold as a proof. I read through the thread from last April (https://www.cointalk.com/threads/question-for-the-indian-head-cent-experts.277471/) where @jtlee321 asked about an 1885 that was similar. Where can I find diagnostics about the 1890 proofs, and is this a proof? I would appreciate any help I could get.
What I used to try and attribute mine as a proof were images found on PCGS Coin Facts. I tried to use date position, Longacre doubling, strike definition, rim squareness and reflectivity of the fields.
Are there any photos of the rim edge? The area where the obverse image is close to the reverse seems possible rounded as a business strike. Can't tell. Hope you see it in person if you are considering buying. Jim
I have the coin, so I will try to take some rim pictures tomorrow. My close-up capabilities are limited, but we'll try. If any detailed images will help, I have a USB scope for that.
I've had a bunch of funky, slightly impaired proof Indians and that coin looks very much like them.....based on the surfaces, anyway. It looks to have been cleaned maybe 30+ years ago and stored in an environment that created enough haze on the fields to cover any reflectivity. Your biggest give-away will be a complete lack of luster in the fields. Think of how many times you've seen business strike PL's for this series. I'm putting my money on proof details, but totally understand the concern and hopefully diagnostics & rim pics will provide conclusive verdict.
They made proofs every year, never seen a business strike like this on an IHC. I would guess it is a proof. Is it impaired?
The coin is raw, so their is no third-party opinion about whether it is impaired. There is no history with this coin; we're on our own assessing it. But there is no sign that it circulated or was damaged.
This is a bit of an experiment... The rubble along the bridge of the nose makes me wonder if it was varnished as a preservative. Should I give it a rinse in acetone and xylene to see what happens, or is there too great a chance of ruining the look it has?
At least it's not an early Large Cent they are trying to pass off as a proof. I saw one on eBay and just laughed. To my knowledge, there are no proofs from the 18th Century. Perhaps a presentation piece, but no proofs. BTW, that's a nice Cent whether a proof or a business strike.
Thank you all. I'll keep it marked down as a Proof, but in the end I will appreciate the coin for what it is, as we always do. This discussion, and the discipline of studying the coin and preparing photos, has helped me do that. That's all to the good. By the way, from eBay at 1890 Indian Head Penny PROOF, Richly Toned Choice GEM PF++. I needed to learn more about this seller, often disparaged over the last decade or so in these forums.
