Any information on this old 1872 USA one cent coin

[champagne86]

Found this old coin on a beach in Rhode Island today it's pretty beat up but I can make out the date is 1872 in the front and one cent on the back and I believe there is an anchor above where it says one cent, anyone have any info on this coin? Also any tips on cleaning it without damaging it?

 

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[champagne86]

You may be able to see the date better in this picture

 

[Erik in NJ]

What you have there is an Indian Head cent. Just Google that phrase and you will find out more than you wanted to know about them. That one might be a bit tough to clean up, but nice find!

 

[champagne86]

What you have there is an Indian Head cent. Just Google that phrase and you will find out more than you wanted to know about them. That one might be a bit tough to clean up, but nice find!

Thanks alot

 

[sagittarius98]

1872 us 1 cent | eBay

 

[MadPoetLaw]

That appears to be a key date and would be very desirable. Too bad it's in such rough shape.

 

[champagne86]

That appears to be a key date and would be very desirable. Too bad it's in such rough shape.

Thanks for the info, worth anything in the shape it's in?

 

[Erik in NJ]

It can probably be restored by someone that knows what they are doing. I would not try to clean it yourself!

 

[MadPoetLaw]

Thanks for the info, worth anything in the shape it's in?

If the date on it is clearly legible (and yours appears to be) then yes you could get something for it. Here is an example of one in similar condition on eBay 1872 Indian Head Cent Key Date RARE Copper Penny Full 4 Digit Date Corroded | eBay

They are asking $40. Being a key date it's quite likely someone will buy it (if it's cheap enough) despite it's poor condition just as a place filler for their collection. In better shape it would probably fetch around $100. I wouldn't attempt to seriously clean or restore it yourself though and it isn't worth the cost of professional restoration. If that's even possible with the shape it's in.