In the word of rapper T-Pain, "I'm in love with a strippa ..." Just because a coin has been abused by its owner at some point in its life, is it necessarily worth less? All of us have lived imperfect lives and have been abused in one way or another along the way. The same is true for coins. I don't like perfect people who have lived sheltered lives, and I don't like perfect coins. Sure I can appreciate their beauty, but they haven't really lived a coin's life. They have been sheltered and protected their whole lives. What about the coin that has lived a little, been around the block, been abuse to some degree; yet, still turns out to be a gem? We value the error coin. Why not value the details coin as well? I have fallen in love with this coin. An absolutely beautiful IHC proof. Her face has been cleaned ever so lightly, but her rump is georgeous. Am I wrong for loving her? Doesn't she deserve just as much love and respect as the perfect lady? Maybe even more? Tell me I'm wrong.
You're not wrong. Nothing wrong with your opinion, passion or synopsis. You will find many like minded folks here.
*Just my opinion* I am not a huge fan of cleaned and/or detailed coins. I like the original luster to still be on a coin, I feel it looks better that way. I am not saying the Indian Head does not look nice, but I just prefer natural luster from the mint. I do not see detailed/cleaned coins having as much of a value for that reason.
I wouldn't pay as much for a details coin, even one that looks as nice as the coin you've posted above... But if you like them I can see that being to your advantage, the coins will be cheaper, even if you take your time and find the best looking of the lot.
That coin got a face lift, a tummy-tuck, implants, and other plastic surgery. Very pretty to look at. Someone will throw some $1 bills at it.
Oh yes. I too could have an affair with that lovely Indian..... Thing about collecting coins is that you cannot do it wrong. What appeals to you is what brings you joy....... Three years ago a friend asked me to help him with a large collection he inherited from his recently deceased father. It was a huge collection of mostly average coins. I opened one small box and audibly gasped. I saw a stack of flips with gleaming Indian and flying eagle cents. My next realization was that all these were worn cents that spent time on this mans buffing wheel.... He liked his cents shiny. Very, very shiny.
