How Can I tell if my 1860 IHC is rounded bust, or pointed bust? And, for that matter, how could I tell the difference between a proof and business strike on a cent that old?
One way is to look at the lower left corner of the bust and see whether or not it comes to a point. The other way is to look on the Indian's neck ribbon for an "L" (initial of designer James B. Longacre). If it's there, you have the pointed bust, otherwise you have the rounded bust. The proof/business strike question can be statistically answered with a great deal of certainty. As there were only 1,000 proofs and 20,566,000 business strikes, what do you think the odds are that you have a proof with no provenance?
Yeah, I'm sure its a business strike. Its just that I saw the value of the proof, and couldn't help but dream for a minute. I mean, if I had one of those to sell, I would finish my Walking half set pretty quick!
Pick up a copy of Rick Snow's reference on Indians. If you intend to collect the series it is a very good reference.
