1860 indian Head Cent

[Bryan V]

Hi everyone. I'm new to coin collecting so I have a lot to learn.
I found a local guy who would like to do some bartering for this
1860 cent which looks real nice to me.
My only concern is the off set strike? Not sure if that is the correct term.
Not sure how that affects an otherwise very nice coin.
He thinks it's MS 63-64. Value around $350.00.
Im thinking maybe $150-$200 tops.
What do you think?
Thanks

 

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[Bryan V]

The more I look around I wonder if it's even worth anywhere close to $100.00

 

[flipit4u]

Maybe the offset makes it rare? but I don't know much about it just guessing.. Good luck either way!

 

[jerseyben]

To be safe, I would value it right around $100.

 

[huntsman53]

I do not believe that the coin would grade at MS-64 or even MS-63. The coin was softly struck, there are too many dings and nicks on the Obverse...especially the damage on the 5th feather in the Headdress, a few on the Reverse and the off-centered strike on both the Obverse and Reverse doesn't help. Besides, due to the off-center strike and what appears some wear on the rim on the Reverse, it might get pegged for not having complete rims. Also, it is not the "Pointed Bust" Variety which is much more sought after.


Frank

 

[Bryan V]

Thank you very much. Like I said I have so much to learn. I also noticed some kind of defect on the E.

The guy also has a 1909 s vdb to trade. That coin makes me real nervous.
Im trying figure the low end value of it too.
Looks real to me but I can't tell if it has been cleaned or if that even matters on a coin like the 1909 s vdb.
I know it makes a difference on the value but I'm thinking there must be some bottom value on this coin
in the $500 or $600 range. Am I wrong here?

 

[jerseyben]

I'm not saying that 1909-S VDB is fake but I would avoid it, personally...

 

[huntsman53]

IMHO, the "S" Mintmark is too large for a genuine 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent! Also, the coin appears to have had an old cleaning but has somewhat retoned to a fairly nice Woodgrain on the Obverse. Ask the Seller to submit the coin to PCGS or NGC and if it comes back genuine with no problems, that you will buy it based on an agreed upon price now. Make sure to put the agreement in writing with both parties signing a copy for each.


Frank

 

[cudamark]

Yes, that "S" looks a little funny to me. If he's willing to have it slabbed by PCGS or NGC, I'd consider it, otherwise, I would pass.

 

[cudamark]

Based on the photos, the Indian, to me, looks like an AU58 that was cleaned years ago and has since retoned a bit. There again, it has enough value that getting it slabbed by a reputable grading service will take the guess work out of it.

 

[Bryan V]

Based on the photos, the Indian, to me, looks like an AU58 that was cleaned years ago and has since retoned a bit. There again, it has enough value that getting it slabbed by a reputable grading service will take the guess work out of it.

I heard a they will not slab a coin if it has been cleaned unless it is a real special coin.
Is this true?

i would definitely have the 1909 graded or at least authenticated before I shelled out that kind of money.
I would be more willing to gamble $100.00 on the indian without grading if I new it was close.
What do you think? $100.00 fair for the indian being cleaned and this condition?

 

[coinguy*matthew]

The 1860 indian head cent looks to have been stripped of its original patina and allowed to retone and the 1909-S VDB looks suspicious for sure....

 

[cudamark]

Maybe make a deal with the seller. If it passes and gets slabbed with no restrictions or condition issues, you'll give him one price, including the cost of slabbing. If it fails, then he pays the slabbing fee and you have the option of buying or not at another agreed upon price.