A historic question about proofs (including illegal 1917 Linolns)

sadysta1

Here is a good one for coin history buffs? I understand why proof sets were discontinued in 1942. Can someone explain to me why the proof sets were discontinued in 1915/1916 (double date is for the fact that there is only a partial set made for 1916, 1915 is the last year a full set was made) and the only proofs from 1920s are Morgans and peace dollars and since it is a special ocassion it doesn't count.

Here is a good one 1917 proof cents were illegally made yet no one is talking about it (it's the least known illegal coin). Has anyone ever seen one?

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

SADYSTA

The 1917 proof Cent is not illegal as it doesn't exist.

stewart

sadysta1

check the redbook, it does there is no price listing for it

coinguy1

I have heard of/seen ALLEGED 1917 proof Lincoln Cents and even lost a lunch bet when I bet they weren't listed in the Redbook! But, I agree with Stewart - I don't believe that any exist.

SarasotaFrank

Mark:

On a side note, I followed the link to your website. Two observations:

1) You feature absolutely FABULOUS coins;

2) I am assuredly playing in a league I have no business being in. I am, in two words, humbled and mortified. I was pretty pleased with my collection until about four minutes ago.

tradedollarnut

why the heck would a proof cent from 1917 be illegal?

Russ

TDN,

My guess would be that, if it exists, it was never monetized (is that the right word?).

Russ, NCNE

kranky

I don't think it would be believable to claim any 1917 Lincoln proofs were "illegal". The monetization question only applied to the 1933 Double eagle because the government claimed not a single one of them were released through proper channels. I believe it's within the Mint's scope of authority to decide if proofs are manufactured or not.

As long as 1917 Lincolns were released properly, I think the Mint could have made all the proofs they wanted to.

tradedollarnut

My point exactly!

coinguy1

SarasotFrank,

Thank you for your kind words about the website. But, you should not be "humbled" or "mortified" or any less happy with your own coins than you were moments ago. Your coins have not changed in that time and I hope that your appreciation for them hasn't either.

truthteller

The late teens and early 20's began an era of proof experimentation. The standard mirror proof strikings were slowly set aside for other forms of proof strikings, such as sandblast, satin finish, and matte. You will find matte strikings to be in favor for about 20 years, especially with gold and commemoratives. Sandblast made a showing, but the process of sandblasting the dies was expensive and not particularly pleasing, for example the Hawaiian commem. Satin finish came more into vogue in the very early thirties and had their appearance of commems, proof buff nickels. In addition, there was a change in the Mint Directors, with Sinnock taking over in the early thirties(?).
Morgans and Peace dollars were not the only proofs issued in the 20's. The Missouri commem was issued in matte finish. The 1928 Hawaiian 50C was issued in sandblast proof. The 1918 Illinois-Lincoln commem was issued in mirror proof. All three I have seen. The Lincoln was recently discovered about 3 years ago and given status of Specimen strike, special planchet with one proof strike blow.


TRUTH

sadysta1

Link to a scan from Complete Lincoln Cent Encyclopedia

Link to a page

RELLA

Hmmm...

If it comes down to Stewart vs. that book (or any book for that matter) on the subject of Lincoln cents; Stewart's going to win my vote every time.

Buy the book before the coin, but don't believe everything you read.

RELLA

coinguy1

sadysta1,

The link to the book sounds exciting in theory. But, as I mentioned previously, I've never seen one, I don't know any dealer who has and apparently neither PCGS nor NGC has either. That should tell you something.