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Num...numb...numb-artists...numismatics! Yeah, that's it!

bustedknee
For the numismatics! on the forum:

I've never owned an Indian Head penny before and I'm not a real coin collector so I'm looking for information.

I was told the Civil War pennies were made of a "different" mixture of metal?
And some slight value may be added due to it being CW era.  This is my area of interest since I had 2 gg grandfather's that fought in the Civil War.
It appears to be in pretty good condition, considering it's age.  I have a 1908 that is more worn.

I wonder how much this penny would purchase in its day?....

I 'm thinking, maybe I should buy a bezel and chain and turn it into a necklace for myself or my wife, then leave it to our daughter?

Information and ideas appreciated.



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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • dreher
    At least to me condition is everything.  Since I can't afford most coins in "proof" condition I collect "full step Jeff's" as my primary focus.  Since they aren't worth much, I don't have to pay much for Jefferson nickels that are often out of split up  proof sets.  The full step part is being able to easily see the steps going up to the Jefferson memorial.  I have told my son to try and make certain my "full step Jeff's" go to a GG grandson/daughter.  Who knows, in the perfect proof condition maybe they will be worth something in 100 years.  (Probably not!)    :D 

    Since you are interested in the Civil War you might like a coin I bought recently.  A 1925 Stone Mountain half dollar in MS 63.  It has R. E. Lee on it.  Google it!  I think it is a cool coin.  Been watching for one of these for months and not only found a nice graded one but it was about $50 less than I figured it was worth looking at others that have sold.

    The necklace idea can always be a way to go.

    I to am shocked that they misspelled pork and beans!  Don't people proofread anymore!     :D
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  • yoshmyster
    Finding a bezel? First find out the "going rate". Take it to a coin shop and on your way home buy a small drill bit. After finding out the "value" I'm thinking drill bit s more likely. Even though the drill bit and your time might be more than what that is worth. Personally I doubt any of y'alls will wear it so just keep it in a small box as is. 
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  • Rocky Raab
    What comes after Murder Hornets? New Misma Ticks!
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  • chme
    https://coinvalues.com/indian-head-pennies/1863


    Just like with guns, condition is everything.  I am NOT a collector or dealer, but in the condition you have, it would be worth $15-$20.  Drill a hole in it, it is worth a penny.  Read the article for info on metal composition.  That would have bought you a half pound of cornmeal.  
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  • truthful
    The Indian Head cent was first minted in 1859. The metal used until 1864 was 88% copper, 12% nickel. In 1864 the metal used was changed to 95% copper, 5% zinc. That alloy continued in use until 1962, except for the steel cents minted in 1943. Coins were in short supply during the Civil War, so your 1863 may have passed through some historical hands and pockets. I greatly prefer my antique and vintage items to show some evidence of use as your coin does. An uncirculated, coin, or an antique gun than has sat on a shelf in factory-new condition for 150 years, is NOT a piece of history and is of no interest to me.
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  • jimdeere
    If it has an Indian on it, it’s racist. Like Land o Lakes butter.
    3
  • bustedknee
    I recall seeing the Stone Mtn half-dollar but I never gave it a 2nd look because I thought it was a recent commemorative.  I'm going to check them out.

    I'm not sure I can bring myself to drill a hole in a coin that is over 150 years old.  And look at the value I can add with a gold bezel and gold chain.

    A half a pound of corn meal, huh?  Back when a penny was worth something.
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  • Henry0Reilly

    The only coin I have that old is a store token penny. It says “Our flag, symbol of our union, if anyone tries to tear it down, shoot him on the spot” Which is a quote from a General Dix. I paid $20 for it at auction, which was certainly way more than the book value, but I wanted it. (The man bidding against me got mad, he could have had it for $21, 20 was my limit)

     

    JM Bullion says yours is worth $10 good $20 fine $50 extra fine or $75 uncirculated



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  • nmyers
    I had to liquidate a coin collection.  There were a few mounted silver $.50 pieces, all were damaged by the mount.  So, they went in the "melt" bag.  No one will wear a mounted coin made from base metals; they will turn your skin black, & may even cause an allergic reaction.  A mounted $20 gold piece on a gold chain looks great, but I recommend them only to drug dealers.
    Neal
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  • bustedknee
    ....JM Bullion says yours is worth $10 good $20 fine $50 extra fine or $75 uncirculated
    So it will still buy a half pound of corn meal.  Haha.

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