The 1872 Indian Head Cent is the most difficult date to find with original Mint red color, and one of the lower mintage issues of the overall series. A total of 4,042,000 pieces were struck for circulation, where most spent their lives. Another estimated 950 proofs made for collectors.
Coins with nice eye-appeal are hard to find due to their circulation, and usual weakness on both sides. Uneven mixed alloys also contributed to the scarcity of premium quality mint-state coins with good eye-appeal.
