Cheaper Proof Indian Heads lists for about $100-$200 in the Red Book. The toning on this coin is very unique IMO. I wonder what type of storage caused it? Are there any Lincoln cents like this? The early years are mattes so possibly. What about the 1936 Satin Proof? Could I get a coin like below (most common date and a lower PF grade)?
Colorful Indian proofs are fairly common, as are Lincoln Proofs from the early Matte years, 1936-42 years and 1950 up to the 2000’s. I only have one colorful Indian, but have seen hundreds.
Does this count? I have some proofs that are toned, but they seem to have a different development from the Indian Heads. Nonetheless, yes, they can be cheap depending on the year.
Two more examples. After this, proofs were not produced again until 1950. Indian cents have flat fields, while Lincoln cents introduced a compound curvature that reflects less like a mirror. That may partially explain why the Indian cents look more cameo when they tone colorfully.