1881 1c PR RB

1881 Cent Production: The 1881 issue is very similar in mintage quantity and production quality to the 1880 issue. The date shape seemed to be in a transition phase this year. Between 1872 and 1880 the date punch had a straight base, but after 1881 the dates were curved. In 1881 only, the date punch had the first pair of digits straight and horizontal while the second pair of digits were straight but at an angle to the horizontal digits.

Survivability: This issue was placed into circulation and stayed there for many years. Most examples that survived are in very low grades. The odd original roll or long-time accumulation (yes, they had “penny jars” back then) is the main source of high-grade examples today.

Collecting Challenges: Selecting a problem-free and eye-appealing example is the main goal of collectors. The 1881 cent is normally well struck, but many pieces have mushy details. This is caused by extreme die wear. Die wear results as the dies strike thousands of coins. The friction of the planchets against the face of the die causes the surface to abrade. This constant abrasion causes minute radial grooves called flow lines, which create a cartwheel effect when the coin is slowly turned in a strong light source. This is desirable, as it contributes to the eye appeal of the coin, but too much die wear will cause design elements to disappear. For many collectors, die state is as important as strike and condition.

Collecting Circulated Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for circulated coins is AU-50. Select problem-free examples. Collectors tend to discount problems (such as corrosion, large hits, and scratches) much less than dealers do. As a result, a “bargainffpriced coin with corrosion might in fact be priced much higher than one can ever hope of recovering when the time comes to sell.

Collecting Mint State Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for Mint State coins is MS-65RB. As with other dates in the early 1880’s, it is possible (with patience) to find attractive eye-appealing coins without too much trouble.

Collecting Proof Issues: 1881 was another high-mintage year. This is a common date and is typically priced with no premium. It makes an affordable date for type collectors who want only one example to show o" the design. Examples are usually attractive, with above-average mirrors. Cameos are a bit tougher to find than in earlier dates. Spots are a problem with this issue, as many 1881 cents were not stored carefully over the years. This applies in general to many of the Proofs of this era. Vivid toning is occasionally seen and is worth a substantial premium.

Only seven minor repunched dates are known for this year. No major varieties exist.