Matte Proof 1909?

MrSpud

Hi,
After reading merz2's post yesterday regarding the possible Matte Proof 1909 VDB he bought, I went and look a raw 1909 VDB that I picked up recently. Merz2's has a sort of a scratch between the T and the N that he says may be a diagnostic for the Matte Proof. Another forum member, matteproof, had mentioned that a diagnostic for the Matte Proof is a crescent shaped die chip that can be seen with magnification. Mine has a matte finish to it, it doesn't have any scratch between the T and N, but it does have a sort of crescent shaped thing near the rim to the right of the UNUM.

Here are some pics with a closeup of the area to the right of the unum with a bracketed line added next to the coin showing where the crescent shaped thingy seems to start and end. Is what I am seeing possibly a die chip? I know it is hard to tell from my pictures, but is there a possibility that this could be a Matte Proof? Are there any other diagnostics? I know it is a longshot, but it would be really cool if it was one. Any responses are appreciated.
Thanks,
MrSpud

ksteelheader

I believe they stated that there were 3 different die varieties and they each had different diagnostics....Ken

coinguy1

Mr Spud,

I am highly confident that coin is NOT a Proof. The strike is not as sharp as it should be and the rims are rounded, rather than squared. Sorry.

foodude

What Mark said. I have three matte proof Lincolns, and the detail/strike and square (v. round) edges/rim are very, very evident.

moosesr

Here's a Heritage picture of a proof. Link

Steve

Mr Spud,
The crescent die chip is a SMALL chip just a little to the right of the "M". It does not go anywhere near as far as your line shows in your picture. As others have said, I do not believe you have a Proof Lincoln cent there. Sorry. Steve