Well, I hope I don't annoy all of you as a newcomer already asking about my 1888 penny. First off, I'm not really a collector, but I do enjoy older coins. The only collection I have is a mix of about 50 old U.S and foreign coins that I collected while I was a cashier. Recently I was looking at all of them while browsing through the Red Book. I acquired this 1888 with a funny looking last 8 about a year ago, but had no idea that they could be so valuable. I tried to contact a coin person where I live, and without even seeing a picture, he assured me that I just have an ordinary 1888. I know they are rare, but I'd still like to try to find out. I was going to purchase a 100x jeweler's loupe. Will that be a strong enough magnification? I just want to see if I can find any clues to convince a professional to take a closer look. Anyway, the last 8 is thicker with narrower holes within that 8. In the picture I took, I also notice a very very slight bump at the top of the 8. I couldn't get a good enough pic to notice any bumps at the bottom of the 8. Also, there is no cud, but it might be a variety that did not have that or it could've worn off. You can still make out all of the letters of 'Liberty' except the Y, and some of the pearls are still visible too. I would like some opinions from some people who know more than I. Thanks for looking. P.S. I don't know if you will be able to enlarge this picture, or if I can post as an attachment. If you can't see it, let me know how to upload so that you can. Sorry, I'm not good with this kind of stuff.
100x is far too powerful for your needs, at least as I understood them. 10x is usually more than enough for all but the most minor of varieties; I have a 16x that has more than suited my needs for many years now. For general usage/grading/examination, anywhere from 3x-5x should suffice, but if you plan on making a hobby of this, be sure to invest in quality glass. My daily user/go to glass is an Eschenbach 1186-9, which is 3x6x9x, and while pricey, is worth every cent IMO. As for your coin, it is not the variety you were talking about in your post.
Welcome to the forum. Your Indian Head Cent appears normal (possibly cleaned in my opinion as well). Because I am not well-versed in IHC varieties, is it possible for you to be a little bit more specific as to which error or variety you are referencing? Keep up the hunt!
Now that I've reread his post and realize that he was not talking solely about the "big" overdate, I think he is talking about FS-302.
Oh, thank you for your recommendation as far as the loupe goes. Can you tell me what you saw that indicates my coin is not the 1888/7 variety? I'd be happy to learn something. I'm trying to see any indication of a possible 8 over 7. I saw an example of one online that looks a lot like mine to the unaided eye, but under magnification, it really was an overdate. Thank you.
Gotcha. Had to break out the CPG and check. Vinny, the reason that I don't think your coin is the presumed overdate is because I do not see the telltale "remnant of the 7" in the last 8 of the date. That is the main pickup point. If you think it is and would be willing to post a picture of the reverse, there is a supposed die break that could be used as a die marker.
Thanks for showing an interest. Where is the break supposed to be? The bottom is a bit blurry. I'll try to get a better pic if needed. As far as cleaning goes, all I did was use a pin to get some of the junk out of the holes to get a better look. Unfortunately, I think you can see where I might've gouged a little too much near the "N" here.
The die break is supposed to be from the rim at around 7:00 extending to the C of Cent. I am not seeing it in the photos provided, unfortunately. So, with no die marker and no apparent repunch in the date, I would have to say that your coin is normal. Keep up the hunt!
Here is a reverse photo (Stack's). Never use such an object to remove gunk; there are much better ways to (hopefully) achieve the same result.
Thanks for the photo. I do not see it either on mine, but I am going to keep looking, and pick up a loupe to get a better view inside that top hole of the last 8. I'm not sure, but I think it is the die #2 (less obvious) variety that I'm wishing that I have......but probably do not.
