Are Brown Lincoln's Limited to a High-Grade of MS66?

OneCent

The population reports do not show any MS67 Brown Lincoln's.

Is it possible for a Lincoln Cent to grade MS67? If so, what would be the criteria for such a gem?

Thanks!

CoinKing

<< <i>The population reports do not show any MS67 Brown Lincoln's.

Is it possible for a Lincoln Cent to grade MS67? If so, what would be the criteria for such a gem?

Thanks!

>>



Hi OneCent,

The PCGS Official Guide To Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection does not specifically exclude Brown coins from the MS-67 level, but it does have this to say about the eye appeal of copper coins:

"The grades of MS/PR-67 and higher must have good or great eye appeal. An MS/PR-67 coin with poor eye appeal is an oxymoron, since it will not receive a lofty grade unless it contains minimal marks, has booming luster or reflectivity, and has a great strike, thus, positive eye appeal."

Since eye appeal is a significant part of any grade, it is unlikely that a Brown Lincoln Cent will ever be graded MS-67 or higher.