Lincoln color question

39Special

This was addressed in a separate post, but let's get some Lincoln experts to weigh in on this one. It's a 1927 graded MS66RD by PCGS. The coin has a tremendous strike (nice beard details!), fabulous luster, and mark-free fields. The only marks of note are on the shoulder (planchet flaw?). This coin is much nicer by far than MS65RD versions I've seen and I think the grade is definitely justified. The question is why the color is more "bronze" than traditional "cherry red." It's evenly colored on both sides. I say it's just due to the alloy mix. I've seen plenty of early lincolns with lots of bronze/tan color on them and that's what I had heard was the cause. What say the experts?

cmerlo1

I'm not sure, but I have one of a similar color from 1944. I've submitted it to both ANACS and NGC as an off metal (it's lighter in weight slightly), and it's come back normal. It is currently in an NGC 64BN holder...

I like your coin and I don't see anything wrong with it...

--Christian

RpmHunter

I have a 29-P in PCGS 66-Red that looks nearly identical in color.

OneCent

I think that your digi camera's white balance is off because the color looks odd on my monitor.

I would have never guessed 66RD based on the photos. I'm sure it is a very nice coin worthy of the grade, just that the photos do not do it justice.

39Special

You could be right OneCent, I changed the settings on portrait so the flash wouldn't go off, but the point being this coin isn't the traditional cherry red, it is more golden bronze in color. I'll see if changing the camera settings provides a better representation.

droopyd

I've seen a fair number from the late 20s/early 30s that come that color -- agree that it seems a bit odd but entirely natural and i kind of like 'em looking that way -- perhaps it was well-protected from oxidation?

If you decide you'd rather have a more "cherry"-red exmaple and want to unload this one....

djdilliodon

I know with proof lincoln cents if you dip them they will take on a bronze tan color and no more cherry red. Im not sure if that would happen to a mint state coin though.

LeeG

I think the color is fine. Seen many Lincolns of this era with that color. Heres my 1920 in PCGS 65 RD that has a yellowish hue to it: