Hi, i have bought a 1866 indian head cent. I wonder if it is genuin because it is quite worn and used. The weigt is 3.17 to 3.18. Is it possible that it is anyway the real thing ? Can the weigt vary so much?
I'm not an expert, but it looks genuine to me. When posting photos, don't use thumbnails, use the full-size and crop them to just the coin. Both sides, please. Try not to post blurry photos. BTW, mika, Welcome to Coin Talk !! where no question goes unanswered. Just hang in there and other members will take a look and give their opinion.
Yes i agree that the coin looks good. But i am worried about the weight of the coin. Here better pictures.... Usually the coin as AU weights 3.11 and now i have used and worn coin that weights about 3.17 grams ?
The mint allows certain tolerances. I would think that 0.06 of a gram would be within tolerance levels. Let's ask others. @paddyman98
That is the difference now. But how much has worn off ? If they say the coin weights 3.11 is there wreally a tolerance and how much is it. Just want to be sure and keep those chinese copy coines away. I dont know how it works in USA but here it is so that if a coin weigts 3.11 as AU it cant weight more as circulated or AU. Am i right or am i right
How confident are you that your scale is accurate down to a hundredth of a gram? Coin looks genuine to me as well. Welcome to CoinTalk.
Thank You for the answer. I have two scales and i reduce 0,02 always from the weight to make sure best possible result. How much do you think has worn of from the weight when you look at the coin. The other side is quite worn. I wonder what was this coins original weight ? Now 3.17 + 0,30 ? = 3,47 is that still in tolerance ?
For the 3.11g 95% copper Lincoln cents, the tolerance is +/.13g. Making the range 2.98-3.24. I don't know if the Indian heads had a different tolerance number but your coin falls into the .13 one. If it's slightly heavy (but still within tolerance) it could be a slightly thicker rolled planchet. Not a big deal.
Now that you brought this 1866 coin up, it really looks good compared to the one I had to settle on because of the cost. I have been looking up and down for a 1877 within my budget. Even the ugly ones cost a lot. Any suggestions where I might look for the 1877 for under a hundred?
I am sure there are some damaged ones. But it's not really worth it as you won't recover your money when you want to sell, and even if it's a hole filler, it's too ugly.