1888 Indian Cent. MS-65 RD (PCGS). CAC.This richly original, lustrous example displays vivid rose-red color that it much bolder than typically seen in full Red 1888 cents. Smooth satin surfaces also set this premium quality example apart from the typical Mint State coin. Many high quality Indian cents of the 1886 to 1888 era display light golden-orange luster, the planchet stock for such pieces probably traceable to Joseph Wharton. Beginning in 1886, the Mint melted earlier dated bronze cents and shipped the metal to Wharton, who supplied fresh planchets to the Mint for new coinage. With the vivid rose-red color that it possesses, however, the coin offered here was almost certainly struck on a planchet prepared from "fresh" copper. It is an above average example for both the issue and the assigned grade and is worthy of the strongest bids.PCGS Population: 35; 17 finer in this category (MS-67 RD finest).From the Beasley Collection.
