Two very similar Lincoln errors, two dramatically different prices

seanq

I was watching two auctions for clipped 1982 small date Lincoln cents, which closed within a couple of hours of each other on eBay last night. Here are links to both:

This one sold for $3.00
This one sold for $45.44

I was the underbidder on the second coin, which actually closed first. The othercoin was of little interest to me even though the price was an order of magnitude less. Anyone have a guess what I (and one other bidder) saw in the more expensive coin?

Sean Reynolds

DNADave

My guess would either be strike or metal composition.

stash

The one for 45 bucks is also a DDO too ....

davewesen

small date

seanq

Both coins are small date, and I do not believe one is a doubled die, the only DDO I am aware of for the date is on a large date.

I bid strong money because I believe there is a good possibility the coin was struck on a copper plated zinc planchet. The coin has the pale surfaces typical of the zinc Lincolns, though the surfaces are very clean and free of the black streaks and bubbles which also typify the issue.

There aren't a lot of people who know or care, but 1982 zinc clips are extremely rare. I am missing the 1982 SD zinc from my clipped date set and have only seen one offered, in a price list from a west coast dealer from the early 1990s.

I bought a very similar looking 1982 LD clip last year which ended up being on an older style copper planchet, so I did not have the full courage of my convictions when I placed my bid. I asked the seller for a weight but he was unable to provide it. I was shocked that I lost the auction, actually I was very confident I would end up with the coin at a price far below my maximum. Assuming the auction winner saw the same thing as me, I did not know there was anyone else out there collecting these clips by composition.

Sean Reynolds

CaptHenway

Not sure, but the $45 one looks like 95% copper to me, and the other one copper-plated zinc.

ctf_error_coins

@CaptHenway said:
Not sure, but the $45 one looks like 95% copper to me, and the other one copper-plated zinc.

My thoughts as well.

seanq

Huh, I had to double check and make sure I posted the links correctly. Most of the early (1982-84) zinc cents I have seen have a brassier yellow color versus the deeper orange seen on the cheaper coin. Can you tell me what it is about the $3 coin that makes you think it was on a copper plated zinc planchet?

Sean Reynolds

CaptHenway

Just the color. Couldn't prove it either way.

MedalCollector

Funny - I think I'm good at telling the difference between the zinc and copper 82s from pictures, but these ones are tough for me.

I believe they both look copper for a couple reasons. First, color. Second, the Blakesley manifests itself differently on early zinc cents than late copper. Typically the Blakesley effect is very strong on zinc cents and seems to be very focused across from the clip. On late copper, the weakness is generally weaker and effects a larger area across from the clip. These are only a couple personal observations from the few zinc and copper clips that I've owned and seen on eBay.

I have done business with the buyer before. When I have time, I'll contact him to see if he is willing to share with us.

seanq

@GoldenEgg said:
Funny - I think I'm good at telling the difference between the zinc and copper 82s from pictures, but these ones are tough for me.

I believe they both look copper for a couple reasons. First, color. Second, the Blakesley manifests itself differently on early zinc cents than late copper. Typically the Blakesley effect is very strong on zinc cents and seems to be very focused across from the clip. On late copper, the weakness is generally weaker and effects a larger area across from the clip. These are only a couple personal observations from the few zinc and copper clips that I've owned and seen on eBay.

I have done business with the buyer before. When I have time, I'll contact him to see if he is willing to share with us.

GoldenEgg,

By chance have you followed up with the buyer of the coin which prompted this thread? I also never thanked you for your keen observation on the difference in Blakesley effect on zincolns vs copper cents, I am going to go through some of my early '80s Lincoln clips and see if it bears out across a larger sample size.

Edited to add: I do not see where feedback was left for the seller on the $45 coin, I wonder if the sale was never completed?

Sean Reynolds

CascadeChris

I can see why you were thinking the $45 coin might be zinc from the edge line at lincons bust point and above ER. Can't be sure though. Maybe message the seller to ask if it was paid for and if not offer the $45 as the under bidder if you still wanna roll the dice on it

oih82w8

I encountered a similar situation as the OP with Indian Head Cents 1863 (S-21) and 1864 (S-5) Polished Die varieties. The 1864 1C S-5 is well known and is even in the CPG listed as FS-401. The 1863 1C S-21 not so much. The 1864 has a PCGS price guide listed as $260 in AU58. There is no such listing for the 1863 1C S-21 with almost identical markings at the ear.

Pick Up Point: diagonal polishing lines before, in and aft of the ear.

MedalCollector

@seanq

I forgot! Let me shoot out a quick message to him now. I will let you know!!! Sorry to keep you waiting in suspense. Haha

Wolf359

Love those Civil War Indian Cents. Thanks for sharing.

MedalCollector

Still haven't heard back from him. Sorry.