So, how does one tell if a lower than au Wheatie is a MPL?

eyoung429

There has got to be either pup's or die marks....arene't there?

curly

There are certain die markings for most of them but I think they would wear away pretty fast. I don't know about AUs and lower.

TomB

Generally, you don't.

RedneckHB

<< <i>Generally, you don't. >>



Nor would they be collectible as an MPL to 99.9% of collectors.

TwoSides2aCoin

Maybe if someone has a photo of the Matte vs Business strike finishes, we could see.
I think you will be able to know from the DETAIL and finish more than anything how to see the differences. We can type all we want but this answer can best be answered if anyone has pictures of same dates.

From the coin lingo page of CU:

An experimental Proof striking, produced by the U.S. Mint mainly from 1907 to 1916, which has sandblasted or acid-pickled surfaces. These textured surfaces represented a radical departure from brilliant Proofs, having even less reflectivity than business strikes.




typo joe

TomB

Below are a few. I believe the 1909 had been dipped and recolored or retoned while the 1912, 1913 and 1914 are completely original. These are not TrueView images, nor did I take the images, but they were taken by one of the well respected members on the boards and they are pretty accurate. Many of the true hallmarks of MPLs are the distinct patches of fine die polish lines that will not be present on coinage that is worn to AU or lower. Additionally, many of the early Lincoln cent business strike coins had superior strikes than what would normally be encountered, which makes these well struck specimens appear to be MPL candidates to those who are not familiar with this niche. Lastly, circulated examples of well struck business strike coins and MPLs may appear similar. Look at the patch of die polish lines directly next to Lincoln's nose and extending toward the date on the 1909 and also the patch of die polish lines running vertically beneath Lincoln's beard on the 1914. These patches are diagnostic of the obverse dies used for these particular MPL issues and other die polish lines are visible, in-hand, on each of these coins that indicate what die struck each piece.

eyoung429

Awesome guys.....this will help alot this weekend!!!