1916 Lincoln head cent with a “matte proof like” obverse
BUFFNIXX
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Here is a really neat 1916 Lincoln head cent with an obverse that has all the pizzaz of a matte proof. The reverse not so much,
but a beautiful example of the 1916 cent none the less
Collector of Buffalo Nickels and other 20th century United States Coinage
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"
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Comments
The obverse reminds me of an 1859 Indian Head Cent I once owned. I was told it was a type of woodgrain effect.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
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Nice look but something about it says recolored to me.. just looks too consistent.
Collector, occasional seller
Compare this obverse photo of a so-called ngc 1916 matte proof Lincoln cent sold by Heritage RCG on Jan 4, 2007, lot number 422, I do not think this coin is a matte proof and we discussed it in an older thread. The coin shown above looks more “matte proof like” than the so-called ngc proof. Just goes to show you how tuff these proofs are to call correctly.
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"
Image from first panel repeated below to compare with above image easier....
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@BUFFNIXX ...That cent is really amazing...I assume it is slabbed...What is the grade on that one? Cheers, RickO
If the Heritage photo was as good as yours the comparison might be a little easier. Super obverse on yours.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
If I only looked at the obverse, I would definitely side with it being a matte proof rather than a business strike.
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But you have to show both sides of a coin, and your example above is not even in the same universe as a proof unfortunately. (See below)
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This isn't going to be popular, but to me the OP coin appears to have been heavily altered without original color or surfaces. Perhaps it is the lighting or image, but that is how I see it.
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For me this will make a nice type coin. I am not an expert in matte proof Lincoln head cents but I wonder if this obverse die may have been used to coin some matte proof cents. I know it is possible to tell from certain die markers but whatever the case I really like Lincoln head cents that are “framed” by the thick squared rims of a matte proof, and so this coin is.
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"
Early Lincoln cents in BU tend to be pizzazzy because of the fresh hubs used to make the dies. Even in a middle die state that yours is (note slight die wear around date), the detail is sharper than on a high grade, well-struck 1966.
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Here's a 65 for comparison:
I really like the obverse and color myself, QDB comments frequently in his Lincoln cent book that most pristine (undipped) Proof coins are a rich light brown color....head scratch.
I am with @TomB maybe with the altered surfaces, it seems brushed / whizzed from the photo, lighting, not sure.
Using a 3x lens on my screen and looking closely at all 3 above obverse pictures, I see several of the primary scratch
diagnostics for 1916 on the OP coin.,,,yes / no ??
Around the date and within the 9.
U S T scratches etc...
For knowledge and discussion, I will ask if this could be a "Rejected" proof, or an example of what is often said, of
PF dies being utilized on the production floor for general coinage.
R.I.P Son 1986>2020
I have been on the go. But your 1916 is not a MATTE proof. The first thing I looked at was Lincoln's ear. If you look at the whole ear on the mint coin their is much less detail then on a MATTE example. With a photo it is very hard to see any of the diagnostics for that year.
I am with Tom on this.
From what my eyes see in this image I see a boinked coin.
Always look at the rims too.
I agree this coin is not MPL quality and also has been cleaned.
I never implied nor do I intend to that this 1916 cent is a matte proof!!
a.k.a "The BUFFINATOR"
New hub made in 1916, so the details, especially in Lincoln's beard, are much sharper than even a 1909. It is my favorite year for a type piece because of that.