The Hidden Value in Submitting New Indian Head Cent Varieties: An Expert’s Deep Dive
October 19, 2025I Tested All Methods for Submitting New Indian Cent Varieties: A Step-by-Step Comparison of What Works
October 19, 2025If You’re New to Indian Cent Varieties, Start Here
Holding an old Indian Head Cent and wondering if you’ve found something special? I remember that excited-but-confused feeling when I found my first potential variety. This beginner’s walkthrough shows exactly how to get your coin examined – from your kitchen table to official recognition.
The Fundamentals of Indian Cent Varieties
What Actually Makes a Coin Special?
Between 1859-1909, the mint created accidental variations collectors treasure today. Keep an eye out for:
- Repunched dates (where numbers were stamped multiple times)
- Doubled dies (like a shadow behind the design)
- Overdate errors (a date stamped over another year)
- Major die cracks (thick raised lines on the surface)
Pro tip: Grab Richard Snow’s Indian Cent Attribution Guide (4th edition) – it’s our bible for identifying these quirks.
Your Starter Toolkit (No Fancy Gear Needed)
- A $10-20 jeweler’s loupe (10x magnification works great)
- A bright LED flashlight – angle it sideways across the coin
- Your smartphone camera (use macro mode for close-ups)
- A ruler with millimeter markings
Your Step-by-Step Submission Roadmap
Step 1: The First Professional Look
Skip PCGS/NGC for now – ANACS is better for beginners because:
- No membership required
- Cheaper research fees ($45-$75)
- They’ll compare your coin to known varieties automatically
My first ANACS result came back: “AU55 – Unlisted Repunched Date 1889” – proof my find was unusual!
Step 2: Reaching Out to The Expert
Once ANACS confirms your coin’s unusual, email Rick Snow at indiancent.com:
- Subject line: “Potential New Variety – [Your Coin Date]”
- Attach:
- ANACS certificate number
- Super-clear photos of date and design
- Notes about what makes your coin different
- Sample email:
Subject: Possible New 1907 IHC Variety - Die Break at Liberty's NeckHi Rick,
My ANACS-certified 1907 cent (#123456) shows an unusual die break not in your guide. The attached photos show a raised line extending from Liberty's neck toward the rim. ANACS noted this as "unlisted die break."
Could this be a new variety? Appreciate your insight!
Best regards,
Sarah from Ohio
Keep it short – experts appreciate clear details!
Step 3: Making It Official
If Rick says “yes, this is new!”:
- Resubmit to ANACS with:
- Your original slab
- Rick’s confirmation email
- A note saying “Please add Discovery Specimen label”
- Budget 1-2 months for this final step
3 Truths Beginners Often Miss
Myth 1: Fancy Grading Companies Are Better
Reality check: ANACS gives you:
- Faster responses about unusual coins
- Clear notes when something’s not in the books
- Special labels for discovery coins
Myth 2: Quick Fame and Fortune
Real timelines for new finds:
- 3 months – expert verification
- 1 year – mention in coin newsletters
- 2+ years – value stabilization (if it catches on)
Myth 3: Every Error Is Valuable
Your coin’s worth depends on:
- How obvious the mistake is (can you see it without a loupe?)
- Condition (worn coins get less attention)
- How many others surface later
Your First Submission Checklist
- Snap clear close-up photos (date + full designs)
- Mail to ANACS with “Variety Research” request
- Email Rick Snow when ANACS confirms it’s unusual
- Resubmit for that prized Discovery label
- Keep all paperwork – future collectors will want this history!
What Every New Collector Should Remember
- This isn’t a sprint – it’s a 6-18 month process
- Clear photos matter more than perfect photography skills
- ANACS is your best first stop
- Rick’s opinion is the final word on Indian Cents
- The real reward is adding to coin history
Here’s what keeps me hunting: that 1907 cent I found now appears in collection databases as “Sarah’s Die Break.” Was it life-changing money? No. But knowing I added one puzzle piece to numismatic history? That’s the magic no price tag can capture.
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