Key Features:
Certification and Grade:
- PCGS PR Genuine Cleaned-UNC Detail:
- The PR indicates that this coin is a Proof coin, which is a special, high-quality striking process used for commemorative or presentation pieces.
- Genuine means that the coin has been authenticated as real, but its condition has been altered due to cleaning.
- Cleaned-UNC Detail: The coin has been cleaned at some point, which is often seen as detrimental to its collector value. “UNC” means that it still retains its Uncirculated status, meaning it has not been in circulation, but the cleaning has likely removed some of the coin’s original luster or left marks.
Specifications:
- Year: 1888.
- Denomination: 1 Cent.
- Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark).
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc.
- Weight: 3.11 grams.
- Diameter: 19 mm.
- Edge: Plain.
- Designer: James B. Longacre.
Design:
Obverse:
- Features the Indian Head, with a feathered headdress and the word “LIBERTY” on the band around it.
- The design symbolizes the strength and dignity of the Native American people, a representation of the United States’ early struggles for independence.
Reverse:
- The reverse shows a laurel wreath surrounding the denomination “ONE CENT” at the center.
- The laurel wreath symbolizes honor and unity, a fitting design for this important piece of American numismatic history.
Historical Context:
- The 1888 Indian Head Cent is part of a series minted from 1859 to 1909, designed by James B. Longacre.
- The Indian Head design was meant to evoke a sense of national pride and unity, though the use of a Native American image on the coin was controversial at the time.
- Proof coins were primarily struck for collectors, not for circulation, and have always been in limited mintage numbers. 1888 is considered a year with a relatively low mintage for the Proof Indian Head Cent, making this coin historically valuable even with the cleaning.
Collector Appeal:
- Historical Significance:
- The Indian Head Cent series is one of the most iconic in U.S. coinage. As the 1888 coin was struck for collectors, the design and quality are still appealing to those who collect historical or 19th-century coins.
- Cleaning Impact:
- Cleaning significantly impacts the value of a coin, as it can damage the surface, remove luster, and leave unsightly marks.
- Despite this, the genuine PR coin status means it still holds some value as a collectible, though at a lower level than uncleaned coins.
- Uncirculated:
- The fact that this coin is marked as Uncirculated means that while it was cleaned, it was not used in circulation. This gives it potential appeal to collectors of Proof or Uncirculated coins, though the cleaning remains a major detractor.
Conclusion:
The 1888 Indian Head Cent PCGS PR Genuine Cleaned-UNC Detail is a piece with both historical significance and challenges for collectors due to its cleaning. While cleaning can lower its value, it still represents an important part of U.S. numismatic history and may appeal to collectors who appreciate its rarity, design, and age.
