Why Are Late 30's Proof Lincolns So Much Cheaper Than the Rest of the Set?

braddick

I just picked these two up, last night on eBay, on a whim.

NGC Lincoln Proofs

I've wondered why these low mintage Lincolns are so much cheaper than the Mercury dime; Washington quarter, and the Walking Liberty half.
If it was the half, it would be hundreds of dollars- yet the mintage is about the same.

Are there that many more half collectors than there are Lincoln collectors? (I've always thought, next to Morgans, Lincolns were the most popular series to collect.)

I'm puzzled.

Numismanic

Demand for proof Walkers and Mercury dimes is higher due to the limited years of issue for type collectors imo, and most Lincoln collectors would rather have the full red designation for the proof Lincoln cents.

mgoodm3

Interesting thought. I've had the same question. Maybe nobody wants them.

Shamika

Shhhhhhhhhhhh

WaterSport

I know what your saying, I bought all of my raw proofs 1937-1955 on Ebay for less that $50 each. I decided to use a proof in my Capital board instead of a buisness strike when possible beacuse I happen to like proofs. But I do not think a lot of Lincoln collectors do, or the funds need to go to Semi Key coins first.

WS

sliderider

I would have to say that the red-brown designation kills it. Full red is what people want. Especially for registries.

cladking

Largely it's just caused by type collectors. There are few proof mercs or WLH's but the
nickels and cents can be picked up much cheaper in the later sets. The quarters used
to be extremely cheap and were often discounted further. Look at the buffalos too.

These sell for much more than the whole sets went for not too many years ago.

nankraut

sliderider said: I would have to say that the red-brown designation kills it. Full red is what people want. Especially for registries.
I'm trying to upgrade my 1936 PCGS PR65RB cent, and to go to PR65RED will double the costText