The U.S. & Ancients Coinage Auction
October 2, 2000

Indian Head Cents

Lot 1408 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1862. PCGS graded Proof 65 Premium quality. In the old style of PCGS holder, this gem proof is simply outstanding. A glass fails to note even the smallest signs of contact, and the color is bright and fresh, with golden toning just forming on both sides. Only 550 were struck, few of which would measure up to this coin. Rarely encountered so problem-free, making this worth a good premium.
Estimated Value $1,700-2,000.

ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN 1864 BRONZE PROOF CENTS

Lot 1409 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1864. Bronze, no "L". PCGS graded Proof 66 Red. With a mintage of only 150 in Proof, any appearance of this coin is an event. To find one that qualifies for gem is worthy of a party. To find an original "Red" example is approaching impossible. PCGS has only graded 18 coins as "Red". This is one of the 2 finest known examples in Red, tied with one other. There are none graded higher with the original "Red" mint color predominating. Of course the surfaces are superb, with no signs of contact or other detriments. Both sides are virtually free of spots, except for under the extreme scrutiny of a strong magnifying glass. The proof fields are watery in their reflectivity, and the devices are wonderfully frosted. All is boldly struck, and this would be an amazing coin if it were a late date. Worthy of the finest collection, and certain to bring a runaway price as quality conscious collectors will fight tooth and nail for a specimen of this quality. Don't let it get away, you may never see one that even approaches the magnificent quality offered here.
Estimated Value $15,000-UP.

Lot 1410 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1869. MS-65 Red and Brown. Nearly full red on this well struck example and very few signs of age. The surfaces are superb, with very little to note in the way of contact with other coins. 1869 is a very tough date to find in gem grades, and any collector would love to own a coin with such original color and surfaces. Struck from lightly clashed dies with the Indian's face outlined on the reverse.
Estimated Value $900-1,000.

Lot 1411
1871. PCGS graded Proof 63 Red. Lovely original color, but a few flyspecks to show its age. A tough date to find any better.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 1412
1880. PCGS graded Proof 66 Red and Brown. Outstanding quality here, there is a dollup of bright red color on the Indian's headdress, and more on the reverse wreath. Clean fields and devices, and we note a hint of bluish color starting to form on the right side of the wreath.
Estimated Value $375-425.

Lot 1413
1883. MS-65 Red. Nice and bright, this lovely gem exhibits a full strike with a blush of reddish-golden toning about the borders.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 1414
1885. NGC graded Proof 66 Red and Brown. Mostly red, with slight mellowing in the color. Free of the usual spots which so often mar proof copper and nickel. A first rate gem for the numismatist. Probably well within the top 40 of the date.
Estimated Value $420-470.

Lot 1415
1885. MS-64 Red and Brown. The obverse has a few hints of color starting to form, and the surfaces are very choice indeed.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 1416
1886 Type 1. MS-64 Red. A choice example with some fine hairlines noted before NI in UNITED. The luster mellows to a medium magenta.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 1417
1887. MS-60 plus Red and Brown. A nice original Mint State cent.
Estimated Value $50-60.

Lot 1418 Click on Picture to EnlargeClick on Picture to Enlarge
1900. PCGS graded Proof 66 Red and Brown. Splendid colors on this example, the obverse shows an array of purples and deep blue, while the reverse displays a combination of green and purple. Boldly struck and exceptional for the grade. One for the color specialist who demands a rainbow of toning.
Estimated Value $325-375.

Lot 1419
1901. Proof 63 Red and Brown. Mottled toning, with some red near the centers.
Estimated Value $70-90.

Lot 1420
1902. Proof 63 Red and Brown. A rather pretty proof Injun with a myriad of colors.
Estimated Value $75-125.

Lot 1421
1907. NGC graded Proof 66 Red and Brown. Faded mint red on both sides with some rather bright red colors. The Indian's cheek has a curious toned area on it. Outstanding surfaces, as expected for the grade.
Estimated Value $375-425.