Proof 1862 Indian Head Cent

[rexcat]

Here’s a little Indian that showed up at my door yesterday!

 

I have a 1863 MS64 IHC in my type set now, but when I found this proof example of the copper-nickel Indian Head Cent, that I could afford, I couldn’t resist it.

 

There were 3930 proofs minted for all years (1860-1864) of the variety 2 copper-nickel Indian Head Cent and only 550 proofs struck in 1862.

 

NGC graded it a PF63, probably due to the nick in the cheek and what could be carbon spots mostly found around the letters on the obverse; besides those distractions the coin is well struck with smooth glossy fields free of any hair lines and contrasting devices and flashes some interesting iridescent colors under the light.

 

Let me know what you think.

 

 

 

[HaydenTubbs]

I like it Paul, you are a cool cat

 

Say, have you considered sending it to NCS? I would think that they would be able to get those carbon spots off. Possible upgrade?

 

 

-Hayden

[EZ_E]

As a type collector I give you two thumbs up on your acquisition.

 

NCS usually avoids conserving copper, however. I doubt that they would touch it upon review.

[michael]

a nice coin for a proof 63 i like it

 

scarce coin and also great civil war date

 

usually ncs can do wonders with copper nickel cents like this

 

i would DEFINATELY SEND THIS COIN TO NCS

 

It is worth a great shot and again being 12% nickel and 88% copper these coins from what i have seen in the past ncs does and can do wonders with these coins preserving them for future generations

 

good luck and keep me informed with what you do and if you do do something let me know the results

 

now remember like victor suggests it is not an exact science but ncs usually have above average results with proof copper NICKEL indian head cents

[rexcat]

Thanks for the feedback guys,

 

now you’ve given me something to think about.

 

I’d be interested in what NCS would have to say about the coin, the shipping would be the most costly part of getting just the review, so there's not a lot to lose there.

 

I’ll keep you informed if it takes a trip to Florida, with winter coming up soon maybe I should go with it.

[Hoot]

A great date and historical piece to have. I might also try NCS, but would not hold my breath that they will conserve it or that their conservation will change the appearance significantly, even if they do. Their work may stabilize any active processes, though, so it's a worthwhile thing to do. You may want to write a note to go along with the coin to NCS stating that you are interested in stabilization in as much as anything else.

 

Congrats on a nice pick up.

 

Hoot

[EZ_E]

I had sent in an 1863 mint state IHC with a carbon spot on the reverse but they wouldn't touch it.

[rexcat]

Their work may stabilize any active processes, though, so it's a worthwhile thing to do. You may want to write a note to go along with the coin to NCS stating that you are interested in stabilization in as much as anything else.

 

That’s a lot of what I thought would be important in an evaluation, even if the spots couldn’t be removed, to stop any further damage to the coins surfaces by removing what ever it is on the coin would make it worth having the conservation done.

 

So I decided to send my coin in, but it will be in a few weeks, I must enjoy looking at it for awhile.

 

I’ll keep you guys updated when I hear from NCS.