5226

1877 1C AU58 NGC. The rarity of the 1877 cent has

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:220.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1877 1C  AU58 NGC. The rarity of the 1877 cent has
<B>1877 1C AU58 NGC.</B></I> The rarity of the 1877 cent has been a subject of controversy. In his book <I>A Buyer's and Enthusiast's Guide to Flying Eagle and Indian Cents,</B></I> Bowers summarizes the thoughts of two researchers on this subject. Breen suggests the low 1877 cent mintage was due to a halt in coinage in February 1877 in anticipation of Congress' approval of a nickel-content cent, which never materialized. Robert Julian, on the other hand, argues that by 1876 payments of silver coins had been resumed by the Treasury Department (having been suspended from the summer of 1862 until the mid-1870s), and fewer cents were needed to make change. Quantities of Indian cents on hand from previous coinage were ample to meet the needs of commerce. Whatever the reason, the 1877 is the undisputable key to the series.<BR> The present example is light brown with hints of underlying orange. A few minute marks are noted on the Indian's cheek and neck. The design elements display nice definition, though only the upper diamond is fully outlined. This specimen possesses very nice overall eye appeal, and will make an excellent addition to a high grade Indian cent collection. Lot:5226