7 Critical Mistakes to Avoid with Your 1873 Indian Head Cent

Let’s be honest — I’ve botched a few coin deals myself. That’s why I get it: the 1873 Indian Head Cent seems simple at first glance, but it’s *so* easy to slip up. These seven mistakes? They’re not rare. They’re the usual suspects that cost collectors time, money, and sometimes a little pride. Here’s how to sidestep them and keep your 1873 cent on solid ground.

Mistake #1: Misjudging the Grading of Your Coin

You’re sure your 1873 Indian Head Cent is a gem. It *looks* perfect in your hand. But here’s the thing: grading isn’t about what you *think* — it’s about what a trained grader *sees*. A tiny mark, a whisper of wear, a subtle break in luster — these details matter more than you’d believe.

Warning Signs

• You’re dismissing faint hairlines in the hair or neck as “just handling.”

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• You assume luster is intact just because the coin looks shiny.

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• You haven’t inspected it under 5x magnification or varied lighting.

What Not to Do

Don’t trust your eyes alone. And don’t let a well-meaning local dealer talk you into a higher grade unless it’s backed by service like PCGS or NGC. Grading standards are consistent across the big services — your gut feeling isn’t.

Recovery Strategies

Get your coin slabbed. Seriously. If you’re on the fence, submit it. Compare it side-by-side with coins already graded at the same level. Join a coin club or attend a local show — there’s no substitute for seeing how others interpret condition. And when in doubt, let the professionals decide.

Mistake #2: Poor Photography Techniques

You’re trying to sell your 1873 cent online, but the photos look flat, washed out, or — worst of all — *too* edited. Bad photos don’t just make your coin look worse. They make people question your honesty.

Warning Signs

• Photos lack depth or texture — the coin looks like a sticker.
• Color is off — reds look orange, browns look green.
• You’ve boosted contrast or saturation to “fix” the image.

What Not to Do

Skip the ring light. It flattens everything. And please, *never* edit the photo to make the coin look cleaner, shinier, or higher-grade than it is. That’s a fast track to a bad reputation.

Recovery Strategies

Use soft, even light. Natural light (near a window, not in direct sun) or LED panels work best. Try this simple setup:

1. LED light at 9 o’clock (left) — gentle angle.
2. LED light at 3 o’clock (right) — opposite side.
3. Top light at 12 o’clock — fills in shadows.
4. Use a diffuser (a white sheet or parchment paper works) to soften harsh spots.

Shoot from a low angle to show luster rolling across the fields. And always show both sides — no exceptions.

Mistake #3: Overlooking the Importance of TrueViews

I know — your photos are great! But even the best in-hand shots can’t replace a TrueView. These are high-resolution, professionally lit images from grading services that show *exactly* what graders see.

Warning Signs

• Your photos don’t match how the coin looks in person.
• Buyers ask, “Is this a TrueView?” — and you don’t have one.
• The color in your images shifts under different lights.

What Not to Do

Don’t rely on your smartphone photos when selling or submitting for re-grade. TrueViews aren’t a luxury — they’re a necessity for serious collectors and buyers.

Recovery Strategies

If your coin is already graded, request a TrueView from PCGS or NGC. If it’s not, consider getting it re-slabbed with imaging. For high-value coins, hire a pro numismatic photographer. Compare their work to your own — you’ll see the difference instantly.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Coin Color Varieties

Not all 1873 Indian Head Cents are the same color — and that *matters*. A red (RD) coin can be worth *twice* as much as a brown (BN) one, even at the same grade. But if you’re calling a coppery brown coin “reddish,” you’re setting yourself up for trouble.

Warning Signs

• You’re describing the color as “pretty,” “shiny,” or “rusty.” Vague terms won’t cut it.
• Buyers are confused or skeptical about your color claim.
• The coin’s color changes under different lights — without a clear reason.

What Not to Do

Don’t guess the color. And don’t assume a coin is “mostly red” just because it has a few red flecks. Grading services use strict standards: BN, RB, or RD — nothing in between unless it’s a transition.

Recovery Strategies

Inspect the coin under daylight-balanced LEDs. Use a color chart (like the PCGS reference) to match it. If you’re unsure, submit it for grading — let the service decide. And remember: once a coin is cleaned or dipped, it *can’t* be RD. That’s a critical detail.

Mistake #5: Underestimating the Value of a High-Grade Coin

You’ve got an MS65 1873 Indian Head Cent, and you think it’s worth a bit more than an MS63. But the truth? The jump from MS64 to MS65 or MS66 can be *staggering*. A single point can mean thousands.

Warning Signs

• You’re pricing your high-grade coin like a “nice upgrade.”
• Buyers offer less than recent auction prices for the same grade.
• You haven’t checked recent sales in the past six months.

What Not to Do

Don’t sell a high-grade coin without checking recent auction records. And don’t assume it’s “just another nice coin.” In the world of Indian Head Cents, the top end is its own market.

Recovery Strategies

Check Heritage Auctions or PCGS CoinFacts for recent sales. Compare your coin to similar examples. High-grade coins also appreciate faster — so if you don’t need cash, consider holding. Sometimes, patience pays more than a quick sale.

Mistake #6: Failing to Document the Coin’s Provenance

That 1873 cent came from your grandfather’s collection? It was part of a famous hoard? *That’s* valuable — but only if you prove it. Without documentation, history doesn’t count.

Warning Signs

• You can’t remember where or how you got the coin.
• Buyers ask, “Do you have paperwork?” and you don’t.
• The coin’s value doesn’t reflect its story — because no one knows it.

What Not to Do

Don’t toss old receipts, envelopes, or certificates. Don’t assume “everyone knows” a coin’s history. And don’t rely on memory alone — write it down.

Recovery Strategies

Keep a simple log: date, source, price, and any notes (like “ex: Smith collection”). Scan old documents. If the coin was slabbed before, save the label. The more you can prove, the more value you add.

Mistake #7: Not Learning from Others’ Mistakes

I’ve seen collectors lose money by repeating the same errors — cleaning coins, trusting bad photos, ignoring color designations. Why? Because they didn’t listen to the stories of those who’d already been burned.

Warning Signs

• You’re making the same mistake you saw someone else make.
• You haven’t updated your knowledge in years.
• You brush off advice with, “I know what I’m doing.”

What Not to Do

Don’t isolate yourself. Don’t assume experience means you’ve seen it all. And don’t dismiss feedback — even when it stings.

Recovery Strategies

Join a numismatic forum. Read old auction catalogs. Talk to long-time collectors. Ask, “What’s the worst mistake you ever made?” Their answers might save your coin — and your wallet.

Conclusion

The 1873 Indian Head Cent isn’t just another old penny. It’s a pivotal year in U.S. coinage, with rich history and subtle variations that reward careful attention. Avoid these seven common pitfalls, and you’ll not only protect your investment — you’ll enjoy the hunt, the details, and the stories behind each coin that much more. Keep learning. Keep asking questions. And remember: every seasoned collector started exactly where you are.

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