Good morning! I recently acquired this 1897 penny from a pawnshop for $10. So far, it met the specifications, I think: weight, the direction of where the feather should be pointed, and the L location. Are there any other test that can be done to authenticate it? Let's assume that it's legit, is it worth getting graded? I would appreciate any suggestions, comments, info that you all can provide.
Looks legit. But it has questionable color, at least as seen in these photos. Looks pretty harshly cleaned to me. However, for ten bucks, that doesn't seem a bad buy. It looks like a Choice AU example based on the details- borderline Mint State, even. Details. I don't think it's worth sending off for third-party grading, however.
http://www.ebay.com/gds/Coin-Fake-Detection-Indian-Head-Cents-1-/10000000017599215/g.html?rmvSB=true http://www.ebay.com/gds/Coin-Fake-Detection-Indian-Head-Cents-2-/10000000017627605/g.html?rmvSB=true
I think when copper is that color, without original mint luster, it is a sign that it has been cleaned. Agree with the previous posts. Real, questionable color, harshly cleaned.
I don't really see a bunch of hairlines. It's just the color/lack of toning that's off. This is one of those coins I would lay on my desk and handle with my fingers each day. Over time they tone back to a more natural look. Copper wants to turn brown.
I believe cents are one of the most commonly encountered counterfeits. This one is real. Why would you want to get it slabbed?
Look for a chocolate brown color - that's what 120 years of natural aging (patina) usually looks like
When I was collecting Lincoln cents as a kid, I was told to soak them in vinegar (i.e., acetic acid) to brighten up the color. The vinegar did brighten up the color; however, I could never get the original mint red color. Instead, the copper coins appeared flat or dull with a slight gray hue. The color of this coin reminds me of my "vinegar-dipped" Lincolns. The difference in color between a red BU cent and dipped cent is very obvious. In contrast, it can be difficult to tell if a silver coin has been dipped (in sulfuric acid/thiourea). Is there a dipping solution for copper coins that I am unaware of? Or are people dipping copper coins unknowingly? I am asking this question here since the OP has provided a nice photograph of an acid-dipped or acid-treated copper cent - especially the photo of the reverse.
Agree with the chocolate brown for circulated coins. Circulated Indians are valuable enough for slabbing unless they are 1908-S, 1909-S, dated before 1880, or rare varieties. Pretty coin, but I think $10 is top retail for this one.
Well it may be worth $10, but it will always be a problem coin, if it has been harshly cleaned (or dipped). The gunk is gone which is good, but the patina is gone which is bad and a thin layer of metal has also been stripped away revealing that orangish copper color. This coin can never be restored. I doubt a dealer would ever offer anything for it. To pass it along to a collector, I believe full disclosure must be made about this coins permanent problem.