LINCOLN CENT PROOF - CLASSIC VRS. MODERN REGISTRY
Steve
Posts: 3,312 ✭✭✭
With all the discussion going on about classic versus modern coins, I thought a true life example within the Lincoln proof registry (1909 to present) might invoke interesting comments. This registry has two 10 weight coins among the 81 in the registry. One is the 1909VDB MATTE PROOF and the other is the 1990 NO S ERROR. Both are perceived to be very rare with only about 200 each still in existence. As is the case with most modern coins, the 1990 no S error coin is available mostly in high grades of PR67,68 or 69DCAM. The 1909VDB Matte Proof is mostly seen in PR63,64 or 65 red or red/brown with just a very,very few in higher grades. In looking at both coins, most collectors would say the 1990 no S error is the nicer looking coin, appearing similiar to all the current proof coinage with deep cameo contrast. But, there is something very special about looking at and appreciating Matte proof Lincolns' made in the early years of the twentieth century. In fact, many Lincoln collectors call the 1909VDB Matte Proof the "holy grail" of Lincolns based on its low mintage of 420 pieces.
How do you feel about these two coins?
Would you like to own either one? or both?
If cost was NOT a consideration, would you like to own either one or both?
If you own either one or both or multiples would you care to share how or why you acquired them?
Do you believe either or both of these coins belong in a COMPLETE Lincoln cent proof registry?
Do you have any doubt that ten years from now, either of these coins will be worth significantly more than they are today? If so, why?
Your comments are appreciated. Thanks.
Steve
How do you feel about these two coins?
Would you like to own either one? or both?
If cost was NOT a consideration, would you like to own either one or both?
If you own either one or both or multiples would you care to share how or why you acquired them?
Do you believe either or both of these coins belong in a COMPLETE Lincoln cent proof registry?
Do you have any doubt that ten years from now, either of these coins will be worth significantly more than they are today? If so, why?
Your comments are appreciated. Thanks.
Steve
0
Comments
1) First off the 1909 VDB Proof Lincoln is without question the most valuable early Proof Lincoln.Secondly the 1990 No S is the most valuable "Modern" or Memorial.
2)I own two Proof 1909 VDB proof Lincolns.One is a PCGS Proof 67 red and the other is a Proof 66 red.
I own four 1990 No S Lincoln cents.Two are in Prestige sets and the other is in a regular(flat pack).The other is a Proof 69 D Cameo.
3) I acquired these coins because I collect Lincoln cents.
4) The coins unquestionably belong in a COMPLETE Registry Set of Proof Lincoln cents.
5) I don't care if they rise in value.I am not selling them.I have no doubt I will not lose based on the prices that I paid for them.
Stewart
WS
<< <i>I would love to own both, but could never afford it. If I had the money, I would go for the No S. As far as the registry set, I find it a bit of a bother knowing my set(s) will never be 100% complete. I would rather such rarities be give "bonus points" and let those who have them still be at the top of the game with 110 points or so and let us low end collectors have a shot an a "complete set". While they are at it you can get rid of the 1969 S Double die. At least the mintage of the 1856 flying eagle is 2000.
WS >>
If you compete in the basic set, you do not need these varieties. PCGS has already created sets for those who want the No S and those who do not.
WS
<< <i>I would love to own both, but could never afford it.
WS >>
Bob, it seems to me that you have made a great start on the 1909 to date basic proof registry. Those two 1936 proofs are not easy to find. I never thought I could afford it either, but if you spend your money wisely and strive for completion within the budget you are comfortable with, rather than trying to get the top pop of each date and having to pay rediculous prices, you will find that over time, you CAN do it. Good luck. Steve
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
<< <i>Steve - Isn't the Proof 1909 VDB and the 1990 No S Lincoln your favorite posts ?
Stewart >>
Yes, as far as Lincoln proof cents are concerned. For the business strikes I like the 1909SVDB, 1914D, 1922 plain, and 1955 doubled die. Big surprise, huh?
Steve
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
WS
I purchased my 1990 no S from F.J. Volmer in Indiana back in 1993 as a proof set for $1,550. In 1997, after I joined the PCGS Collectors Club, this was one of the first coins I had slabbed. My 1909 VDB Matte Proof was finally won by me for $1,955 at the Heritage auction in April, 2002 after 8 years of searching for an example at a price I could afford. It was in an ANACS PR63 holder and I got it to cross to PCGS PR61. It has a spot over Lincoln's head that you can see in the photo in my registry that causes the low grade, but believe me, I'm very happy to own that coin. I haven't seen one available at that price anywhere since I bought it! As far as Classic verses Modern, I need them both in order to have a complete collection of Lincoln cents.
I do hope others who either own one of these coins or hope to own one in the future will comment. Thanks,
Steve
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
Toby
A Proof Set collector in the South, who bought (3) sets of every proof set since the 1960's, opened up his 1990 raw sets recently and found a NO S cent in one of them!! He brought it to his local coin club meeting a couple weeks ago and a local dealer (the high bidder in the club) bought the raw set from him for close to Grey sheet. That lucky find probably covered the cost of every set that collector bought from the Mint since the 1960's!! The dealer submitted it to PCGS and it came back PR68DC (solid, but, properly graded). He offered it to me for a small profit and I figured no harm in owning another (even though I passed on a lot of PR68DC coins around $2,500/coin a couple years back). This is one modern coin that has performed very nicely over the years thus far.
We now know of the existence of (1) more coin. Good lesson here- every one should check their proof sets, although this guy was lucky he did not find it 5 years ago, or he might have been content to sell it for less than 1/2 of what he obtained a few weeks ago.
Wondercoin
Those that do open the set and are lucky enough to find a coin like the 1990 no S should get it graded by PCGS or NGC as soon as possible. Reason is to protect its future value. Coins in US Mint packaging are subject to air getting in as was illustrated a few months ago in a Heritage auction of this coin. I think collectors are now becoming more knowledgeable of this fact and that is why we have seen a large number of this coin slabbed by PCGS and NGC in the last year.
Steve
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
The 09vdb is the essential Lincoln cent in proof or business strike format. It's natural rarity is unsurpassed, and you can never have a complete Lincoln proof set without one. Ten years from now, you will see more and more of the "rare" business strikes slabbed, but you will not see a dramatic rise in these coins. No need to wonder or estimate how many are floating around. Even if every one minted surfaced, they would still be the rarest of all.
Steve, you should never see another 09vdb in any grade under $2k. Do a search on them vs. the 1856 FE, and compare the times they have come up for auction.
I love both 90 no-s coins I have, but none compare to an 09vdb in true rarity and value.
<< <i>
Steve, you should never see another 09vdb in any grade under $2k. Do a search on them vs. the 1856 FE, and compare the times they have come up for auction.
I love both 90 no-s coins I have, but none compare to an 09vdb in true rarity and value. >>
Doug, my 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln cent is VERY special to me too. First, I know only 420 were issued and I have one of them. Second, PCGS, NGC and ANACS combined have slabbed only about 160 of them since 1986 and many may have been resubmissions or crossovers. I know mine is a crossover. Third, no price guide can accurately predict the value of one of these coins because the coins are just about all in the hands of collectors, not dealers. Most of the owners of these coins want to keep them, not sell them. Fourth, if you see one on EBAY, not certified by PCGS, NGC or ANACS you can bet money the coin is NOT a legitimate 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln cent. Fifth, I have the pride of knowing I own a rare example of a proof Lincoln cent. You, and few others on these boards have that same pride of ownership I'm sure. Steve
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry