I just found discovered this heavily damaged indian cent. I first was semi-intrigued by what appears to be an error (or damage.. I am still learning how to tell the difference) but after examining a little more closely I found that the REVERSE appears to be rotated 180 degrees. Because I am very new to coin hunting, I retrieved the only other indian cent I have (the 1887) and compared. Let me know what you think. Also if you have any questions, ask away! Thank you for your help! My fingers are crossed! Abby
First, Welcome to Coin Talk !! where we accept coins, and members, of all alignments. If your coin has a 180 degree alignment rotation, then you have a collectable coin. I'm not qualified to quote you a value. There will be more members joining in soon who have more experience with this condition.
Interesting. Yes, the coin is rough- it looks just like a detector find (I've dug 1860s Indian cents myself). But that's a somewhat better date, and the die rotation is cool. Whether it's cool enough to add any premium, I don't know- I'm not the person to ask on that. In this case, you've got the negative of the coin's condition working against the potential positive of the die rotation error, so it's a mixed bag, and in balance, the coin still might not be worth a whole lot, but it's not worthless, either. Fun find, regardless.
PS- I'd soak it in mineral oil for a while and then work on it a bit with a soft toothbrush, to see if some of the crud will come off. A little conservation might make the coin look a bit better, though it will never be totally salvageable from being a "problem" coin.
PPS- did you find that coin roll hunting? If so, that there is nothing but pure win, regardless of the condition!
Not that I'm doubting you but the best way to show the alignment of the Reverse of a coin to show that it is rotated is to hold it up to a mirror so we can see both sides at the same time.
Awesome! I just uploaded photos holding coin up to a mirror as @paddyman98 suggested so both sides could be viewed at the same time. Thanks again @paddyman98