Hello. I have this 1891 Indian Head cent. It appears to be a nice coin, and I was hoping that you all could judge as to whether or not this coin would validate being sent off for grading at NGC or PCGS. The scan is that only, a scan. The color and luster of the coin looks much, much nicer than what the scan shows. I tried to take pictures but the suck, it shows no detail. The coin is shiny, and has a reddish mint look. Any thoughts peoples? Thanks!
I don't really know if this should be worth being graded but I would say its at least MS-63 BR. I really like the scan how did you do it so focused? Dan
Hello. Thank you for the information. I place the coin on the glass (carefully) of the scanner (an HP photosmart all in one). I then scan the coin. I make sure all the detail settings are maxed out, and then scan the coin at 600dpi. The factory DPI settings are 200, so it is more detail. This results in a nice scan, tons of detail. The file size produced is then around 32mb, so I use www.irfanview.com to <resize> the picture, down to about 1.8mb. So as for your grading thoughts, appreciated. How does one arrive at the brown-redbrown-red, figure? I mean the coin (not under scan) looks far from brown, in fact I would never even call it brown when looking at the raw coin. I've looked at other coins (both slabbed by NGC and PCGS) claiming red, and red brown, and this coin seems to fit at least RB. How do they arrive at that designation? So thank you for your input, I appreciate it. Also...in your opinion (and anybody elses) should I get this coin graded? Let me know.
I'd say, if you plan to sell it, get it graded to perhaps boost the appeal to potential buyers. If you plan to keep it in your own collection, then don't bother wasting your money. If it's close to MS-63, then it's about an $80 coin from what I can tell. Some say to never get graded unless the coin is $100 or more in value.
Even though it is a scan and virtually all of the luster is muted, the color is obscured in a way I have never seen exhibited from scanning copper coinage... Which makes me fear that the coin may have altered surfaces (Cleaned, tooled, whizzed, ect), especially when you refer to it's luster as having "that reddish mint look". Overall, the coin looks to have solid Unc. details, IMO. But ultimately, for us to further analyze your specimen, we'll need proper photographs. -Brian
Hello. When I take photo's, the color is totally different, and you can see the lusterosity (haha, made up word for lustrous) but when I scan, it comes out totally different. I scan because it shows imperfections better. I have a book of IH's and many are red, red brown, (or what appear to be) and this is one that looks totally different in person. This coin came from my late Grandpa's collection, and haven't been touched for decades. He would have never cleaned them, as he was a Petroleum Geologist, Gemologist, and very saavy antique dealer. If it were cleaned before him perhaps, but that would make all the coins in that booklet "cleaned" or whizzed...and I don't know. I will post a picture so you can see. Coming right up. Thanks for all your thoughts everyone!
Well...it's not that hard to take pictures using camera...I'm not pro yet but maybe this will help. Let me know!
The first pics were no good... almost made it looked cleaned. These pics make it look better. I'd say it's probable MS63-64... looks like it might be red brown if the pics are a correct color.
