1889 Indian Head Cent Double struck

...or possibly an intentional error of the era...using a circulated coin. It's hard to understand why someone would go to the trouble, though.

 

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$$$$, that's why.

 

True...but he's at the "Mint". Why not use a new coin? Perhaps he didn't want to be accused of stealing. A Cent could actually buy something back then.

 

I just added some more photos for you all.

 

Hmm...maybe wear. Hopefully @Fred Weinberg has time to share an opinion.

 

If it is fake, manufactured post mint, no point in having it slabbed.
How did you acquire it? Cost? Etc. I am only asking because things like that will
provide evidence as to authenticity.
It looked real, but I agree with Eric.
For example, if you bought it from someone who said: "I don't know anything about coins....." Or if the price was too low, or who knows what else.

 

I bought it alone as a single coin online last year and paid a hefty price for it. I added a bunch of more photos for the group to analyze, personally I think it's authentic. Holding it it my hand I see no evidence of foul play, but I'm no expert.

 

Great pictures! I like it.

 

Thanks Razz. Its a wild coin

 

Great photos @Eric the Red I am gonna hold off any speculation at this point. Have you weighed the coin to the hundredth? If so what is it? I will defer to @Fred Weinberg if he decides to chime in. Otherwise. The only thing you need to do to verify is send it to ANACS or ICG for authenticity. They will be the cheapest.

 

Thanks so much. I only have a scale that measures to the nearest gram. So there are no tenths or hundredths displayed. I tried several different coins on the scale to make sure. Scale says 3 grams. I will pick up a real scale for coins asap. Thanks for all the help.

 

The online dealer I purchased from had reputable ratings and positive feedback.

 

It looks nice to me, but I'm not an expert... @Fred Weinberg is the expert!

As an error novice, I'm trying to understand the wear/strike. I can't imagine this coin actually circulating much. Certainly not enough to account for the lack of detail.

 

Back in the day, this coin must have frustrated small children to no end. You can picture little Johnny trying to unsuccessfully ramrod it into a penny gumball machine. For this reason alone, I think its in pretty good shape considering the circumstances. Nice coin, Eric.

 

Do you have a scale with tenths and hundredths?
The wear is interesting, because if genuine, it means this coin was spent and circulated. Although it could have been a pocket piece. Maybe Fred can explain why the second strike part has different wear.

 

Pocket piece makes sense. There's also some grime around the perimeter and in the devices which suggests an old cleaning.

 

I am a novice at best and have been out of the game for decades LOL. That's why I really enjoy this site. The lifetimes of knowledge lurking on these forums is impressive.