SB Lincolns part II/Three pop 1 MS68s

shylock · March 9, 2003 2:13AM

Again, much thanks to Stewart Blay for taking some of his prized coins out of the closet for sharing and comparing on the forum. Most of us never get to see early Lincolns at this grade level and I know its been a major learning experience for myself. It's probably best to do these weekly so you don't burn out on my posts.

Below are a trio of PCGS pop 1 MS68RDs with links to slower loading larger images. Each is a wondercoin for many reasons, all with with fresh mint frost you have to see in person to fully appreciate. Among their special traits: the 1911's amazing preservation (even the reverse denomination is free of the most trivial contact), the 1915's great strike, and -- my personal favorite -- the 1923's touch of beautiful peripheral toning. For the few doubters about the 1919 69RD's grade these high-end 68s lend some incites. I think Rella said it best comparing the 1919 to MS67s. And as insanely nice as these 68s are they give you a point of comparison you don't usually enjoy.

Large images: 1911, 1915, 1923.

dddangerousdan · March 9, 2003 2:18AM

Thanks Paul for putting these up. Thank Stewart for allowing them to be put up.

That 1915 is just great

DAN

mdwoods · March 9, 2003 2:21AM

Zowie. Those are magnifico.

agfox · March 9, 2003 2:21AM

If that doesn't stir a little copper interest for you, nothing will. Thanks for sharing the beauts.

TomB · March 9, 2003 2:23AM

They are gorgeous! The '23 is absolutely stunning!

toothpuller · March 9, 2003 2:25AM

Thanks for the post Paul. The 1911 has to be the cleanest cent I've seen from the time period. The 23 looks like it has exceptional luster. Does Stewart think it spent some time in an album to develop that toning? Your images are phenomenal as usual to the extent that someone with relatively minimal exposure to the series can actually perceive the difference between the 68s and that awesome 1919 MS69.

oreville · March 9, 2003 4:31AM

Geez, look at the furrow lines on Abe's forhead on that 1915 cent. Who cares about that spot halfway between his nose and rim???

But there is indeed something realllly special about that 1923!!!!!!!!!!

Of couse the 1911 have the usual lovely perfect as struck color!!!

I will take them all!

Where do I send my paypal for $100 per coin?

jom · March 9, 2003 4:34AM

Outstanding! Love that 1923!

jom

KlectorKid · March 9, 2003 5:13AM

Wow the 23 has some great toning! The details are awesome.

wingedliberty · March 9, 2003 5:51AM

WOOOWOWWOOWOWOWWOWO!!!

That means I like them.

Brian.

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS · March 9, 2003 6:07AM

The 1923 came out of an original roll and graded ms 68 the first time into PCGS.
The 1911 was bought from Joe O'Connor when he worked for Larry Whitlow.......more than ten years ago
The 1915 was bought raw and it graded ms 68 red

If anyone has seen contemporary ms 68 reds..........there is no comparison with strike definition and the color of the luster.This luster makes a copper collector LUST after these coins.

Stewart

nwcs · March 9, 2003 6:10AM

In my best Homer voice:

Mmmmmmm.... PENNIES!!!

Are you sure Coinguy1 wasn't right when he said you both were minting these in a back room??

DHeath · March 9, 2003 6:31AM

Stewart, the strike on that 1915 looks incredible. Is it that much nicer than the others? The 23 is a killer, but I am drawn to the fantastic detail of the 15.

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS · March 9, 2003 6:52AM

D Heath
The detail on the 1915 is the best that I have ever seen on a 1915 Lincoln cent.The other Philadelphia mint with a great strike is the 1916.

Stewart

Clankeye · March 9, 2003 7:10AM

Yep, I'm struck by the strikes. Beautiful, beautiful coins. I am enjoying the Shylock/Blay partnership. Thanks you guys.

Clankeye

shylock · March 9, 2003 7:15AM

Stewart - Is that a common, die related condition the 1923 has at the hairline? After browsing several other 1923s in Heritage's archives I see it in different shapes & forms on other coins. This one has a similar line lower down on the forehead.

littlewicher · March 9, 2003 7:18AM

Wow, you bought one raw and another in a roll. Those are fabulous coins! The strike on the 1915 Lincoln is amazing, but not as amazing at your 1919 Lincoln's strike!

clackamas · March 9, 2003 8:28AM

Utterly fantastic. thanks for sharing.

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS · March 9, 2003 9:29AM

ttt

CarlWohlforth · March 9, 2003 9:41AM

Those are awesome Lincolns! I agree those images are enough to win over a Nickel guy like me

DHeath · March 9, 2003 9:45AM

I'm admiring the smaller second 1 in the 15 date (unlike the 11). Guess I'll have to find a good source for die variety info and pay attention.

copperhead · March 9, 2003 9:51AM

They are certainly gorgeous coins. THANKS for sharing the photos with us.

ursabear · March 9, 2003 1:32PM

I am genuinely in awe. Nice cents! 68 and many years old.

Thank you very much to some collector at the turn of the 20th century for putting away those "moderns."