I purchase this coin last week and I've seen many mint state indians head cents but this 1904 looks great and kind of shiny! is there a way I can tell by looking at it? Are there any other details of proofs that are not seen in regular\business strikes?
I believe it is a regular business strike based on the strike, surface ( lack of mirroring), and the rims, which on a business strike is slightly beveled, but on a proof are more squared. Here is an article that will give you more details. http://www.indianheads.org/CollectionProofs.html And Welcome to the Forum. If you haven't joined Heritage Auction's site ( www.ha.com) I would recommend it. It is free and you can search the archives and see large photos of all sorts of coins, including Indian Cents. Jim
Great looking coin! If you see the 4 it looks flat and i have another 1904 in MS and doest not look flat different die right. Thank you very much.
I agree with Jim. Not a proof. The first thing that jumped out at me was the non-sharp rim edge. You won't find that at HA, but rather from looking at raw proofs.
Here is a link I posted last month with pictures of a raw Indian Head proof. It did get sent in for grading and came back PF63RB. Maybe the pictures posted can help you make your determination. It may be the pictures, but I dont see the mirrors either. http://www.cointalk.com/t196384/
I must admit, Red, had you asked my opinion and forced me to choose on that 1886, I would not have said it was a proof either -- so what do I know. lol
That coin has the surfaces, the mirrors, the strike and the edges. It is off center a tiny bit, which would have bothered me, making part of the rims rounded a little, but I am happy for you it came back a proof.
