To make a 67 early Lincolns - My thoughts

clackamas

In my last submission of 7 mid 1930's Lincoln's I actually made a 67RD (1936 a tougher date than you think) in this climate at PCGS. I got 5 66RD's and a 65RD. What I believe is the over riding factor, above all else, in making a 67RD lincoln these days is all about eye appeal. I have 2 coins that were graded as 66RD that were better technically but did not have that Orange glow that leaps out, they are beautiful coins but don't have that something special look.

For some reason when going through coins and grading myself I go first for the technicals and don't really consider the "eye appeal". Sure it has to be RD but I don't look for the glow. I feel that many of us who have been complaining about PCGS being tough on Lincolns are missing what they (PCGS) consider above the technicals. I do believe that the technicals matter as well but #1 IMO and from my recent submission is that "GLOW" to make a 67. I may be stating the obvious to some but to me I have been beating my head against the wall on trrying to figure out what it takes. I send in nearly perfect coins but lacking that unique glow. They can be full red and cartwheel but don't have that extra something.

After this submission I am sure I have other coins that do have that extra something but were rejected by me for marks. What I first should be doing is rejecting the non glow coins and then look at the marks and strike.

perfectstrike

I agree clackamas. I noticed this a few months back and tested with a submission. I've started to call the new slabs coffins because the Lincolns seem to have an extraodinary number of marks on them. Lincoln glow seems to be worth 1+ grade points, from comparing new vs old slabs.

perfectstrike

mrpaseo

Great observation, thank you for sharing.

Ray