Happy Saturday coin lovers! I came across this 1902 Indian cent today. This may be a stupid question for those of you who really know your coins, Which clearly I don’t and I’m learning but what caused the E in “one” and the NT In “cent” to be how they are? It appears indented to me so that means damage from circulation and old age right?!
Yes, that poor little cent took a licking. Don't be afraid to ask questions, @lilBglobe. It's how we ALL learn. Steve
This coin has been cleaned. The bright orange yellow color is a sign when a copper coin is this worn, that it has been cleaned previously to shine it up. Destroying the patina and original surfaces and chocolate copper color. The reverse has been damaged. Without damage these go for around $1 as this is a common date. With the damage and cleaning, .25 cents or less.
The only thing I'll add is that's a circulation casualty, not circulation wear. Something swiped it there to take those letters out, they didn't just wear like that.
