I recently visited ebay to look for an Indian Head Cent to "scratch the itch" and for my collection . I found this 1880 IHC from a reputable seller , which i have purchased from before... The seller even states possible cleaning with the item description , pretty sure myself it had been from pics , knowing this i still bid and won. Now that i'm able to look at the coin it sure isn't harshly cleaned . It was advertised as Almost Unc /Mint State . Would anyone agree or disagree that there is a possibility this coin would grade Xf
I'm not good at picking up the slightest hints of wear on coins like this, so I can't say whether it's circulated. But it does look like it's been messed with, and I think those marks on the cheek and jaw would probably get classified as "graffiti".
Looks like it would grade a lower XF but with the cleaning it’s probably going to grade details if sent in to a TPG. S few nasty bag marks but beautifully toned. A nice addition to any collection.
It looks Unc to me, very pretty coin, except for the reverse zorro - to me that would knock it down to high XF value.
I'll join the, 'I'm not the best' crowd, with regard to grading IHC's. But the coin has very nice toning, very nice eye appeal, and I'd gladly add it to my collection. There are a few deterrents that might give me pause to sending it to a TPG. The jawline, cheekbone, point of the neckline under the beads, and the reverse mark to the right of ONE, as well as the mark on the N in ONE. All those marks, hits, and scratches don't take away from what I see as an MS coin I'd proudly put in my 7070. Not knowing what you paid, and not asking, I can't say nice score, but I can say nice coin.
I'm also of the extra-fine thoughts, slightly smoothing around the dentil edge in a few spots as well as some flatness of the central ribbon and hair. Similar with the reverse. Would it straight grade? Tough to say, if so I be inclinded that scratched would accompany the designation. Either way, a very attractive specimen.
