Why am I so excited about this 1859 Indian Head Cent?

Several days ago I was browsing Ebay as usual. I was looking through 1859 IHCs, saw this one, and almost immediately bought it. The cost was $36. The real value is likely far higher.

The variety was discovered by Walter Breen in 1953, and since then, few have turned up. In the late 1980s, only about 5 examples were known. Rick Snow said in one edition of his book that about 30 examples are known today, but I believe this number to be closer to 50. Nontheless, a rarity for sure.

I've already told @C-B-D what it is, but I think @Paddy54 might know...

 

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S-1? Very cool find, and the coin looks nice also.

 

Looks very much like it could be RPD-001...if so, good eye!

 

I have no idea

 

@micbraun

I remember you have this variety, too.
Would you Show us your coin?

 

FS301? Congrats. Try to get the gunk off and post new pics. Reference pics attached to this post. And let us know why you think you know better than RS.

 

No, NGC said it was only “die deterioration” and not the FS301 variety.

 

I'm getting educated

 

so how rare is this did I hear u rite only 50? yours looks much nicer than mine but I'm digging any info I can get!

 

Oh bull....

 

bull what not getting it

 

It most certainly is the variety however since it is a rare one and his specimen was so nice they decieded to not attribute it as to what it is....

 

Mike please repost the images...thanks

 

Most of you are correct. It is 1859 Snow-1 RPD-001! Thoughts on grade?

 

F12, great job

 

I see the 9 is dif in the one he posted

 

Can you please answer my question first? Why do you think you know better than Rick Snow? Thanks

 

Agree with F-12 and I see something behind the date. Nice coin.

 

I apologize, as I have missed that part of your post. I don’t think I know better than Rick Snow, but I just think his estimate seems oddly low given that 19 have been graded at PCGS and 14 at NGC, plus whatever known examples exist raw.

 

Closer pic of the date, sorry I don’t have acetone right now. The repunching is visible on the 1, 8, and 5 of the date.