The Rare 1871 "Shallow N" IHC

[KurtS]

I'll be writing a series of articles on IHCs because there's such a wealth of varieties. Here's another installment.

The 1871 "Shallow N" variety represents a recent andimportant discovery for IHC variety collectors.
In fact, the demand for this coin has grown so hot that this coin now commands 4X-8X the price of a "normal" 1871.
But why should any real collector care about market trends? Firstly, you may get an opportunity to buy a coin that appreciates handsomely--and nobody I know minds that. Secondly, if you don't really care about IHC varieties, somebody else will--and could pay you a nice premium for your discovery. I've learned to roughly break even on collecting by looking for a few coins I can sell--which helps me enjoy my hobby all that more!

Here are the major diagnostic points of this coin, which can all be determined by carefully examining "ONE CENT" on the reverse. Compare the notes below to the two coins in my photo.

a. As "Shallow N" name suggests, the N in ONE is noticeably shallower, showing a concavity in the diagonal stroke. In poorer grades, the N may almost wear into the field compared to the surrounding letters. In higher grades, you may see a raised edge on the lower side of the diagonal stroke--visible in the photo

b. Compare the top serifs of this N. In the "Shallow N", these serifs are noticeably longer. Also compare the distances between NT in CENT. This variety is easy to spot by just this one feature.

c. Compare the extension of the middle serif of the E in both words. In the "Bold N", these serifs are trumpet-shaped, with a smooth curve from end to end. In the "Shallow N", the serif has a noticeably narrow midsection terminating in a sharp angle to the wider part

Btw: I just looked on eBay, and found 3 of the "Shallow N" in various grades unattributed. So they're still out there--good luck!

[eagames]

Neat!

Too bad the 2 ugly 1871s I have are the bold one.

It was worth a look

[Dick]

Kurt, you said,"Here's another installment". Is this the first or somewhere down the line? I would be very interested in seeing all of the articles. I don't have one of these, (yet), but that day will come, and I want to know what I am looking at! Thanks,
Dick

[KurtS]

Dick,
Ah...I just copied everything here from a post on another forum, where a wrote a review of the major IHC varieties. I may have posted something like that here...let me check.

[Dick]

Kurt, If it were here, I probably would have seen it, being as you came in after I joined, but, the fact that I have not paid much attention to IHC before, doesn't preclude the possibility, that it is actually here. No problem, if it is on CCF, or another forum, with the info as to which, I can dig around, and find it. At any rate, I will make a hard copy of it for my files.
Dick

[Dick]

Kurt, is there an online source than lists the IHC as a regular listing, with/with-out "PUP"'s? I just picked up 90 IHC's, and would like some sort of guide, preferrably on line, where I can magnify it as needed. thanks,
Dick

[eagames]

Dick,

Did you find a good online guide?
I don't know of any, hoping you found something.

[KurtS]

Dick, I'm sorry I missed your post...I imagine it was during my busy analysis of my 1956 Aus. DDR

I'm sorry to say I haven't found a good online guide. I use the printed Snow references. However, you will find the varieties (and some visuals) listed here. Mr. Snow is working on building this online reference.

[Dick]

Ed, Not yet. I am thinking of joining the "FLY-IN' coub, in hopes it might be able to provide some visual references. Very few, or better said, none give the same type of info as we have here in the Lincoln cents.
Kurt, I mentioned your name, as a p[ossible sponsor, and said in case you are not a member, that I would use Dave as such. I mentioned you, because you have provided me with the most info in this respect. Hope you don't mind.
I guess we get spoiled with what we have, and expect to find the same, or similar type of data elsewhere!
I made the mistake of up0grading AOL, and then remembered that when they do that, it wipes all my markers out! Some of them, I never get back, because I don't remember the name. Thhis time, as I get them set on the tool-bar, I also put them in the "favorites", so I can click on them, and then return the icon to the tool-bar.
Dick

[KurtS]

Dick, please read above...you just missed me!
And again--happy birthday!

[Dick]

Hi again,Kurt! Yes, we almost collided! Thanks for the birthday greetings, and wishes. I had a very good birthday, and have never had so many greetings, and from all parts of the world! It sure made my day!
That link was one that I didn't remember the name of, but when I clicked on it, I put it on the tool bar, and in favorites! There are still some missing, like my bank, and paypal, etc, but I remember them, so, no need for an icon.
Dick