Fake or legit 1897 Indian Head penny?

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Norman Asis, Jan 16, 2018.

  1. Norman Asis

    Norman Asis Active Member

    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. 20180115_182011-COLLAGE.jpg
     
    lordmarcovan likes this.
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  3. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    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.
     
    juris klavins likes this.
  4. iPen

    iPen Well-Known Member

    It looks real to me.
     
  5. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    Nice coin but I agree that it was cleaned.
     
    spirityoda likes this.
  6. ken454

    ken454 Well-Known Member

  7. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

    Looks real to me and cleaned. A good one to fill an album hole while it slowly recolors
     
  8. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

  9. Victor

    Victor Coin Collector

    Why would someone fake a cent? There are better things to fake.
     
  10. Michael K

    Michael K Well-Known Member

    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.
     
  11. chascat

    chascat Well-Known Member

    Adobe color looks dipped.
     
  12. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    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.
     
    chascat likes this.
  13. Norman Asis

    Norman Asis Active Member

  14. Norman Asis

    Norman Asis Active Member

    Good morning! Thank you for the feedback!
     
  15. Norman Asis

    Norman Asis Active Member

    Thanks!
     
  16. Norman Asis

    Norman Asis Active Member

    Appreciate your input!
     
  17. David Setree Rare Coins

    David Setree Rare Coins Well-Known Member

    I believe cents are one of the most commonly encountered counterfeits.

    This one is real.

    Why would you want to get it slabbed?
     
  18. juris klavins

    juris klavins Well-Known Member

    Look for a chocolate brown color - that's what 120 years of natural aging (patina) usually looks like ;)

    s-l225 (1).jpg
     
    Dynoking likes this.
  19. E Pluribus Unum

    E Pluribus Unum Active Member

    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.
     
  20. TheFinn

    TheFinn Well-Known Member

    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.
     
  21. Michael K

    Michael K Well-Known Member

    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.
     
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