how does a statement like this make it into a CoinWorld article

WingedLiberty1957 · July 14, 2014 9:38PM

How does a statement like this ...

"According to Brad Podraza’s LincolnCentResource.com website, Matte Proof Lincoln cents were officially struck at the Philadelphia Mint from 1909 through 1916. It is believed some Matte Proof 1917 Lincoln cents were also produced; Podraza indicates at least one is known to exist."

... make it into a CoinWorld article?

Link: CoinWorld Article

Isn't it well known by experts that 1917 Matte Proof Lincolns were never struck and there are no known certifications of 1917 MPLs by PCGS or NGC?

Since the value of an authentic 1917 MPL would probably be close to $1,000,000 ... I find it hard to believe there is one out there that is not certified by 1 of the top 2 professional grading services.

I think widely-read articles like this should be researched a bit better.

291fifth · July 14, 2014 11:26PM

On a controversial topic such as the 1917 matte proof cent the writer should have insisted on seeing the supporting documentation before making the statement. If no documentation was provided then the comment about the 1917 matte proof should have been deleted.

BillJones · July 14, 2014 11:51PM

I believe that there are older references that say this coin exists. Breen claimed there was one in his Proof coin book although his claim was weak. He said that the coin was Proofed only on the obverse that it had been drastically cleaned. That's hardly conclusive evidence. (Please let's not go off on another Breen tangent.)

The point is if you use old references and don't debunk them you can make this mistake.

tradedollarnut · July 14, 2014 11:53PM

$1M? Hmmmmm

silverpop · July 14, 2014 11:53PM

people tend to believe what they read and hear nowadays, researching is not something most want to take the time and do

WingedLiberty1957 · July 15, 2014 12:05AM

<< $1M? Hmmmmm >>

I admit that I am not sure how to value a single imaginary coin like this (since it doesn't exist!) ... but there are five 1913 Lib Nickles and they go for several million in auctions.

tradedollarnut · July 15, 2014 12:10AM

<< 

<< $1M? Hmmmmm >>

I admit that I am not sure how to value a single imaginary coin like this (since it doesn't exist!) ... but there are five 1913 Lib Nickles and they go for several million in auctions. >>

Okkkk - apples to oranges. How about this - there is a single proof 1823 quarter ... and only a few business strikes. The proof just sold for $400k.

I cannot imagine who would be the buyer of a 1917 matte proof Lincoln at anywhere near $1M

commoncents05 · July 15, 2014 12:14AM

Larry Briggs insists he owns a 1917 MPL.

-Paul

WingedLiberty1957 · July 15, 2014 12:18AM

<< Larry Briggs insists he owns a 1917 MPL.

-Paul >>

But not certified by PCGS (or NGC) right?

I can insist that I own one too (it's in my sock drawer, i swear!)

CoinZip · July 15, 2014 12:19AM

WingedLiberty1957 · July 15, 2014 12:29AM

This is a photo of that old breen coin ... but as I recall PCGS did not agree with this assessment.

This is what a PCGS authenicated MPL looks like, graded PR64RB ... (dated 1916)

Here is a well struck business strike 1917, graded MS64BN ... (dated 1917)

Steve · July 15, 2014 12:46AM

This subject should NOT have made it into the MPL article in Coin World. I too do not accept that a 1917 MPL exists unless and until one is graded and authenticated by PCGS or NGC. Perhaps a correction may be issued by Coin World in their next issue? Fortunately, Whitman's Red Book FINALLY stopped publishing that listing a few years ago. That misstatement in Coin World should NOT distract from the excellent write-up about Jonathan Watkins wonderful nine coin matte proof Lincoln cent collection going to auction at the ANA's World Fair of Money next month and featuring the beautiful 1909VDB MPL in PCGS PR67+RB. Steve

TomB · July 15, 2014 1:04AM

In my opinion that should not have made it into the article and, again in my opinion, is an example of poor journalism and/or editing.

TommyType · July 15, 2014 1:43AM

<< In my opinion that should not have made it into the article and, again in my opinion, is an example of poor journalism and/or editing. >>

Well, in the name of journalism, there's nothing wrong with quoting opinion, (as was the case here). The failure, apparently, was not knowing that it is a hotly debated assertion, and failing to publish the opposing view along side it.

In other words, not so much a failure of journalism, but of deep understanding of the topic in question....which should be expected in a specialty publication, I would think.

roadrunner · July 15, 2014 2:37AM

<< ..........I cannot imagine who would be the buyer of a 1917 matte proof Lincoln at anywhere near $1M >>

Never underestimate Registry set "fever," especially for a fairly popular set like MPL's. If only one complete set could exist that would be exciting.

We've seen it happen time and time again. No such registry fever demand for coins like 1823 proof 25c's....at least not yet.

tradedollarnut · July 15, 2014 3:32AM

<< 

<< ..........I cannot imagine who would be the buyer of a 1917 matte proof Lincoln at anywhere near $1M >>

Never underestimate Registry set "fever," especially for a fairly popular set like MPL's. If only one complete set could exist that would be exciting.

We've seen it happen time and time again. No such registry fever demand for coins like 1823 proof 25c's....at least not yet.

>>

Eh. So far as I can tell, there were four players driving prices the past five years. Two are now selling, one is pruning and one is on hold. None would have any interest in that coin.

BAJJERFAN · July 15, 2014 3:37AM

Sounds to me like a question for the editor.

DaveG · July 15, 2014 10:23AM

Sounds to me like a good opportunity for a letter to the Editor!

(Good way to get your name in Coin World!)

how does a statement like this make it into a CoinWorld article

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