What are the pickup points for grading Lincolns?

Ogden

Also, what really makes a great "strike"

Ogden

merz2

Ogden
This has been asked a few times and debated a few times,but I'll answer with my take on it.The luster is first.Second I look at the ear.The third is the bow tie.Then I look at the sharpness of the lapel.These are just my opinions.

KAJ1

The O on the reverse.
Kevin

NBSQLGeek

The O on the rev will show if its a good strong stike or not.

coppercoins

The different things mentioned are all good indicators, but ultimately it's more or less a matter of experience in looking at them and recognizing the weak points of each different obverse and reverse re-engraving; of which there were many, each with it's own individual characteristics making them different from one another. Some eras, decades being struck more completely usually than others.

One good point of interest not yet described is the shoulder on the obverse. If mottled, the strike is not quite complete. It almost always accompanies the weak "O" on the reverse as the two are both high points that oppose one another on a properly aligned strike.

On the memorial cent, the bottom of the steps are a good point to take note of, as is the top of the cornice going through the center of the design. These are also some of the highest points to observe for wear, so on brown pieces ensure you are seeing weakness and not wear when deeming a coin as uncirculated. If you are not sure of exactly where I write, check the reverse of some 1971-1973 cents and you will see that they are very typically weak in these areas.

Ogden

That sure help! Thanks all! I was just looking at a 1993 Lincoln which PCGS slabbed MS 64 and I thought it would surely exceed that. Then I looked at the areas mentioned and they were weaker than I would have expected.

Thanks again

Ogden