1897 1c PR RB

1897 Cent Production: This is a larger-mintage date. This and other dates of this era circulated extensively without any reason to be saved for 50 years. By the end of World War II they were curiosities of a distant age, saved by non-collectors (or future collectors) only because they were different.

Survivability: These are found in all grades easily, although most are worn down to Good condition.

Collecting Challenges: Select problem-free examples with attractive eye appeal.

Collecting Circulated Pieces: The optimal collecting grade in AU-50 to MS-63RB. Find problem-free examples. Avoid cleaned coins.

Collecting Mint State Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for Mint State coins is MS-65RB or MS-64RD. These are well struck and are easily found in most grades except for MS-65RD or higher. The lack of the survival of gem full red coins is quite interesting. The entire amount of all gem survivors of any date in the late 1890’s could be the result of only two to five original rolls. The quality of these rolls will also dictate how rare the date will be in gem condition. Were they spotted, mildewed, water damaged? Or is the roll full of pristine gems of the highest order? These are the things that dictate the rarity of Indian Head cents in high grade.

Collecting Proof Issues: This is another lower-mintage issue, although they tend to be as readily available as other dates in the late 1890’s. 1897 Proofs are a bit diffcult to find in gem full red. However, some of the prettiest examples of Proof Indian Head cents are known for this year. Super-deep-mirror cameo gems are known for this date. The deep mirror cameo Proofs are the first coins made from new dies. In addition to a frosted design, these coins typically have a mirrored surface that is not smooth—it appears to be crystallized and is commonly referred to as orange peel fields. This happens because the die is initially polished while it is soft. During the hardening process the steel contacts slightly. This forces the fields to buckle slightly. Orange peel fields are highly desired by collectors.