Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 1/1/2010

Question
hello i have inherited a 1877 indian head penny from my grandpa who is a vietnam war vetern i am not sure if it is real or fake there is no r letter or c letter standing for reproduction and copy it is what i believe red copper but the coin is darker but with spots of what looks like red copper so if you can help that will be grand thank you very much

Answer
Hi JJ,
You have a rare and highly desired coin on your hands.
The spots you describe sound like tarnish, from being exposed to a combination of moisture and/or dirt over time. By your descriptipn, everything sounds pretty normal for a genuine coin.
This is not a big deal for such a coin. However, the condition of the details is highly important.
Can you fully see the word "LIBERTY" on the Indian's head dress? If not, you still have a $500 to $750 coin. If you can make it our clearly, you have a coin worth about double that.
If you would like to post a follow-up question and attach a picture of your coin, I can give you more specific information on the value.
Thanks for the question! =)