I recently bought a 1904 Indian Head Cent, but now I'm wondering if this coin has been cleaned or been altered in any way. Also what would you say the value of this coin is? If this coin has been cleaned how can you tell? Thanks for the information!
Looks polished to me... They're just generally not seen that shiny. I am not an expert, though, so I'll let someone else chime in.
Hmmmm, it may or may not be cleaned, I certainly don't have enough knowledge to say either way, but WOW, I love the looks of that puppy. If the price was right, I would have snagged it just because it looks good to me, you know? If you're a collector and not an investor or speculator, why care what anyone else thinks - if you like the piece?
I don't think it's been cleaned or polished. If someone thinks otherwise then maybe we will both learn something, but I doubt it.
If you will check your grey sheet you will see that red cents are not listed under circulated grades, if a well circulated piece has a new red copper color, that can mean a few different things, but that coin will never grade f-12 red.
It might net grade higher than F-12, all of LIBERTY is clear, but the main point is correct, circulated grades don't come in RED
The color does not appear natural for an F/VF details IHC, though I believe the white balance is not correct in the image. Even if the coin were original, at least it is not expensive.
Thank you for all of your advice! I'm planning on returning this coin back to the seller tomorrow and instead use the money for a coin I can see in hand at the Northwest Money Show. Thanks again!