? About Lincoln Cent Prices

Theop

Hello all. I have really enjoyed reading this forum for the last couple of months and have learned a bunch.

I have a question about early lincoln cent prices. One local dealer mentioned these are "hot" right now.
I am looking for a 1909-1917 cent for my 20th C. type collection. My local coin shop has a 1916 PCGS MS65 Red coin which looks very nice. He wants $125 ($135 after sales tax) for the coin. I am trying to figure out if this is a reasonable asking price. I can't find much out there for the purposes of price comparison (one 1916 in this condition sold recently on Teletrade for $180). PCGS price guide says $175 but I understand that is probably inflated.

Any ideas on what a nice looking 1916 MS65 RD should go for (based on experience, Greysheet, etc)? Overall I think this shop has nice stuff but is expensive. I like this coin but since it is for a type set I don't need that specific date.

Thanks in advance for any opinions you can give.

Dave

RELLA

If it is a problem free coin that is a decent price IMO.

RELLA

Theop

Oh, while we are on this topic... A couple more questions to dispel my ignorance...

1. The coin has some attractive light violet toning on the reverse. Does this jeopardize the "RD" designation.

2. What is the likelyhood that a red coin will turn to RB or BR in a PCGS slab? This coin in particular is in a green PCGS holder, so it wasn't slabbed too recently. I am sure there is alot of variablility in oxidation based on storage conditions, etc., but what would you guess in general?

nwcs

As long as the coin is around 85% or more red, the red designation will stand.

PCGS guarantees copper in their holders. Whether a coin will turn or tone in the holder depends on many things such as whether the coin was played with before encapsulation and how the slab was stored afterwards. Assuming the slab is kept in a decent environment, and the coin wasn't played with, the coin shouldn't change in your lifetime.

kranky

That's a nice site you have for your collection.

It took me a few seconds to figure out why a type collection would need a 1909-17 Lincoln. But I did finally remember!

Theop

Thanks for the replies. I will have a close look at it to make sure there are no prolems.

merz2

Theop
I agree with Rella.That is a fair price for a no problem coin of that grade and date.The PCGS quaranty will stand on a coin of that calibur.The prices are rising all the time.Go to the Heritage web site and check their auction archives.Look over the last 2 yrs,you'll see.