1964 Lincoln SMS Cent

onlylincolns

I was reading a previous post regarding the SMS coins and how one may be able to determine the differences from regular strikes. There is a 1964 SMS cent going for auction and can be viewed by checking out the following link:

1964 SMS Cent

This coin is described as "mysterious" and doesn't fully account for the minting of these coins. Does anyone have any additional information regarding the 1964 SMS coins?

And considering the rarity do you believe this is a coin worth owning and holding onto as an investment?

merz2

I've heard the rumors too.The description is sadly lacking.No sign of carbon spots,HA!HA! I can't find anything in my books bu Wexler and Flynn.

Russ

It will be VERY interesting to see what that pup brings. I'd guess close to $10K.

Russ, NCNE

Mark

There have been a couple of other threads about this coin. Here is a previous thread on the subject: Thread

In another previous thread I started about a year ago, here's what Gerry had to say:

"In his book "The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents," David Lange has quite a bit of information about the 1964 SMS coins (page 334). He calls them "Experimental." Among other things, David says "No documentation exists to prove what these coins really are or when and where they were made, etc." However, he also says "cicumstantial evidence supports the notion that they were early experiments in a suitable replacment for proof coins, as the striking of proofs was suspended during 1965-67." All denominations were apparently struck. David estimates that the number of 1964 Experimental or SMS Lincolns is only 15 to 25. I guess that would apply to the other denominations as well.
Hope this is helpful.
Gerry"


Finally, for what it's worth, I asked via pm one of the more controversial members of the forum (Cobb, a member who is no longer present. I mention his name ONLY to allow those who knew him better to chime in about how much credence we should give his reply) who claimed he knew about these coins. He wrote:

"no the full story wont be known in redbook
the story isn't that long any way
10 sets made
some rich guy aquired them from the mint (benny goodman) back-up
player,,then a coin dealer aquired the coins from a sell off estate"

Again, I don't know how much faith to put in this story--does anyone want to venture a guess about the source's veracity??

Mark

DHeath

The only coins I've seen offered for sale seem to be Lincolns and Kennedys (and one Jeff). An excellent board member here did provide me with information leading to a dealer in the NE with a Kennedy (holdered). I wonder about the disposition of the other coins.