1877 Indian Head and Rhode Island Civil War button

[AP552]

I dug this 1877 Indian Head today out of a field. I know the 1877 is a key date coin but have no clue how to estimate it's value because of its condition. The fertilizer used in the fields is pretty rough on copper. I haven't cleaned it in any way and have no intention to. Any thoughts on what it could be worth is appreciated. I also found a banged up Rhode Island Civil War button out of the same field. Thanks for looking

 

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[muddpuppy]

SAWEEET!! No matter the condition, a coin most of us will never find. Same with the button. Keep Swinging!!

 

[Relicific]

Nice couple of finds.
WTG

 

[mikefromIllinois]

Congrats on the holy grail of the indian head penny.

 

[against the wind]

I would suggest you get in touch with PCGS.
Let them clean, grade, and encapsulate that coin
Congrats on a key date find.

 

[CASPER-2]

 

[sgtled3533]

Nice key-date injun head! Who cares about its condition. It's legible, and everyone can see what it is! Great find!

 

[vpnavy]

Nice finds AP! Haven't a clue on the Indian Head value since I have never sold anything I've found - yes, a sickness.

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on the 77 and the nice button super finds for sure

 

[ajaj]

Excellent find! I'm not sure how it would turn out after conservation methods are applied. Many times those old coppers can be really ugly and pitted upon cleaning. I highly recommend you do not clean it yourself other than running under water.

aj

 

[VTColonialDigger]

REALLY nice Indian! It is still worth quite a bit of money in the condition that yours is in. It is also very rare considering there were only 850,000 of them produced. That is super find! That button is also really cool!! The design on the front is pretty! AWESOME JOB!!

 

[digger460]

Congrats on your '77 IHC!

 

[JeffInMass]

Congrats on finding the key-date Indian my friend! Hopefully I can hook up with you & Jim soon. My banner vote is in!

-- Jeff --

 

[BIENER]

Nice.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Congratualtions on the killer IH find!

 

[Mr. Digger]

That is one IHP we would all like to find....regardless of condition. Congrats!

 

[villagenut]

SWEET IHC ! I would keep it just as it is other than the usual toothpick cleaning.

 

[mlutz]

Very nice! I found this just Googling. Hope it helps

Professional Level Grading Finds Accurate Value

Large swings in 1877 Indian head penny value often hinge on small subtle details of the coin's surface. In the collecting market, grading a coin is understandably subjective with many personal views. Often an independent third party is called upon to render its opinion. As an important resource to the hobby, dealers and collectors routinely send high value coins to either PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.

1877 Indian Head Penny Uncirculated Condition

Uncirculated: Total absence of wear is required to reach the lofty "uncirculated' grade. Original mint luster is still visible over the entire coin. By tilting an uncirculated penny side to side, unbroken luster rotates across the surface. Also, inspect the high points of the design for evidence of wear. A dulling and smoothness of the surface on her eyebrow, cheek and the ends of the feathers is an indication of slight wear. Heavier wear is noticeable by flattening of normally curved contours.


1877 Indian Head Penny Extremely Fine Condition

Extremely Fine: An 1877 Indian penny in "extremely fine" condition displays all major and minor design details. Your coin's overall appearance is distinct and sharp. Light wear has begun to remove the roundness of the hair curls behind her neck. In the center of the ribbon over these curls portions of the diamonds are fading. Hair above her eye and along the lower headband is showing light but distinct wear. Overall a visually pleasing coin, with no distracting faults.


1877 Indian Head Penny Fine Condition

Fine: Highest parts of the design, cheek, neckline and headband are visibly worn, and somewhat flat. However, all major details remain clear, indicating an Indian penny in "fine" condition. Roundness of her cheek and chin has worn away. Along the back of her neck most fine details separating the hair curls are blended into one. Giving your coin definition the central area of the headdress is well defined with the headband and feathers separated. Overall a bold, moderately worn image remains.


1877 Indian Head Penny Good Condition

Good: Heavy wear has reduced the portrait to almost a flat silhouette. The headband and hair above the eye are no longer separated, hair curls along her neck and ribbon are merged. Despite its worn appearance, 1877 Indian head penny value remains above $500. Still a very popular and sought after coin.

 

[danjsargent]

Amazing! Thats why we all check the ihp dates! Haha congrats! Nice button too!

 

[AP552]

Thanks everyone, Jeff, looking forward to it, hope your doing well.