Originally posted by: runningman I have heard that there exists a 1910 P and S VDB where the VDB was partially grinded off but visible, anyone ever seen one of these ?
Pretty sure it was Bill Fivaz who claimed to have examined a 1910-S cent with traces of the VDB visible on the reverse. I' ve also seen pics of a 1910-S with heavy abrasion and die polishing marks in the area where the VDB would be. That said I do not believe there is a conclusive "smoking gun" example with clearly visible initials.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Originally posted by: runningman I have heard that there exists a 1910 P and S VDB where the VDB was partially grinded off but visible, anyone ever seen one of these ?
Pretty sure it was Bill Fivaz who claimed to have examined a 1910-S cent with traces of the VDB visible on the reverse. I' ve also seen pics of a 1910-S with heavy abrasion and die polishing marks in the area where the VDB would be. That said I do not believe there is a conclusive "smoking gun" example with clearly visible initials.
Sean Reynolds
I have an'09 Lincoln that shows striations where the VDB would have been. I received from a forum member who does have knowledge in the area. Awhile back I got into discussion ATS and was told (paraphrase)...I've written books, if you knew what I know, you wouldn't be so stupid. So, no more discussion. My contention is simply that the mint would have more inclined to salvage the dies due to it's frugality, than to scrap them. Whatever.
I had no idea this existed, to I looked it up. Apparently there are 3. 2 in MS64, and 1 in MS65.
I am almost certain that the better of the two upgraded to a 65RD, and that there are only two known.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I was offered one of the 1958 DDOs back in 1996. It was a sealed bid three way auction. This was before registry sets so it was virtually unknown to most collectors. I bid $25,000. The winning bid was $25,025, or so I was told. I think it was a plot to determine the value.
As for the 1964 SMS coins I was offered a group by Jess Lipka back in the late 90's. They seemed very expensive for 1964 coins, probably $700 - $1200 per coin, so I passed. I think they came from Lester Merkin's estate and he got them from the estate of Eva Adams, Director of the Mint.
Originally posted by: EagleEye I was offered one of the 1958 DDOs back in 1996. It was a sealed bid three way auction. This was before registry sets so it was virtually unknown to most collectors. I bid $25,000. The winning bid was $25,025, or so I was told. I think it was a plot to determine the value.
Rick, you would probably remember this, was it Sam Lukes who had one of these for sale for years? I may be confusing this with the gem 1969-S DDO, but I seem to recall that he had an example prominently featured in his Numismatic News ads for years at a $75K list price.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I was offered one of the 1958 DDOs back in 1996. It was a sealed bid three way auction. This was before registry sets so it was virtually unknown to most collectors. I bid $25,000. The winning bid was $25,025, or so I was told. I think it was a plot to determine the value.
Rick, you would probably remember this, was it Sam Lukes who had one of these for sale for years? I may be confusing this with the gem 1969-S DDO, but I seem to recall that he had an example prominently featured in his Numismatic News ads for years at a $75K list price.
Sean Reynolds
Yes, Sam had it when I offered on it. It sold later for $35K - $40K and it came back to him again at a later date. This was when it was for sale at $75K.
Originally posted by: tradedollarnut Is it not in the hoard?
TDN, If memory serves, this coin is indeed part of "The hoard".
It is definitely part of "The Hoard". (the 1909VDB MPL in PR67RB+).
Now the key questions are (1) WHERE is "The Hoard" now? (2) WHY isn't "The Hoard" ever mentioned in the numismatic papers or on ANY coin media? I, for one, would like to know.
I have seen both a 1959 and a 1959-D wheatback cent, and am of the OPINION that both are altered dates.
TD
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
For sure #1 has got to be the famous '43 Copper #2 the one and only '55 double die #3 '74 Aluminum #4 '59 Wheatie #5 1995 Double die #6 1992 Close A.M. #7 1999 Wide A.M. than the non- error/variety #8 1909s VDB #9 1914d #10 1931s These are my choices anyway.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
Originally posted by: oih82w8 Kinda surprised that the 1983 LMC Transitional Planchet (Copper) has not been addressed.
If I have this story correct (and my track record on this thread has been pretty good so far ), this was discovered in circulation by Billy Crawford, presented at a regional show, then stolen from his car on the way home and lost to the hobby. Has another confirmatory example ever been found?
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Kinda surprised that the 1983 LMC Transitional Planchet (Copper) has not been addressed.
If I have this story correct (and my track record on this thread has been pretty good so far ), this was discovered in circulation by Billy Crawford, presented at a regional show, then stolen from his car on the way home and lost to the hobby. Has another confirmatory example ever been found?
A shame Mr. Blay is not here to share some of his amazing Lincoln collection with us. (the 1919 above is his) Banned for jabbing our host on numerous occasions.
edited to add....... Last I had heard, Dr. Pete of the ESM collection owned one of the 58 DDO's and Stewart owned the other two. Anyone else with an update?
Posted a couple 58 DDO's a few years back and was crucified!
Interesting thread - neat stuff.
Anyone know if Sam Lukes is still alive??
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
I have seen both a 1959 and a 1959-D wheatback cent, and am of the OPINION that both are altered dates.
TD
I was shown a 1958 Lincoln Memorial cent at the Baltimore show. The owner was hoping for $20K. He found it in circulation and I believe him. Unfortunately, the coin had a visible seam on the edge.
Earlier in this thread, Rich Uhrich posted pictures of 1944, 1944-D and 1944-S steels, including the PCGS graded MS-66 1944-S steel cent. This is the only 1944 steel from any mint that is of gem quality, and it is of higher quality than any known 1943, 1943-D or 1943-S copper! It will be auctioned in January 2016 at the FUN Convention.
Overdate that is a cool avatar. I really like the proof 1960 Small Date over Large Date cents. This is a great thread! I am keeping my eye on some of those off-metal error cents coming up in FUN-Heritage, both from Simpson and elsewhere.
John Story Jenks/ McCullagh 1909 vdb matte proof Lincoln should be on the list. I don't have picture handy, perhaps someone could post it.
Can ANYONE tell me who owns THIS coin today? Where the coin is today? I know it was purchased from the McCullagh auction at the 2014 ANA Worlds Fair of Money. I know it was offered for sale during the October 2014 until early 2015. Does ANYONE know the whereabouts of this very valuable 1909VDB MPL that sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at the ANA auction?
It's rather curious to this observer that most of the considered greatest Lincoln cents in existence are flubs.
I'm biased but I remember a post with an MS-69 1919 that was simply spectacular.
By the same token some of the later Lincolns can be spectacular as well. Some of the late-'80's Denver issues are highly PL and virtually flawless.
The problem with Lincolns is they were all made in substantial quantities so other than a few dates like the '14-D or the '26-S they are readily available even in Gem so many people just consider them common. I think any Lincoln that is scarce in Gem or in extremely high grade can belong on the list and this certainly includes even a PL 1988-D in MS-69.
Lincolns have something for everyone unless they only like rare dates in regular issues.
CladKing: Lincolns have something for everyone unless they only like rare dates in regular issues.
I agree, as there are multitude of interesting Lincoln cents to pursue or otherwise enjoy. The off-metal World War II era pieces are some of many curiosities. 1922 plains, and 1955/1955 Doubles should be mentioned in this context. 1983 coppers are noteworthy.
Overdate: I think my avatar deserves an honorable mention.
George: Overdate that is a cool avatar. I really like the proof 1960 Small Date over Large Date cents. This is a great thread! I am keeping my eye on some of those off-metal error cents coming up in FUN-Heritage, both from Simpson and elsewhere.
Agreed, those Small Date over Large Date cents are cool. Further, these are reasonably priced curiosities, less costly than 1955/1955, 1969/1969-S or subtle 1972/1972 doubles. The ultra-distinctive, small zero on large zero 1960-D is unlike anything else of the same genre.
Originally posted by: Analyst George: Overdate that is a cool avatar. I really like the proof 1960 Small Date over Large Date cents. This is a great thread! I am keeping my eye on some of those off-metal error cents coming up in FUN-Heritage, both from Simpson and elsewhere.
Agreed, those Small Date over Large Date cents are cool. Further, these are reasonably priced curiosities, less costly than 1955/1955, 1969/1969-S or subtle 1972/1972 doubles. The ultra-distinctive, small zero on large zero 1960-D is unlike anything else of the same genre.
Thanks, I've liked them since I acquired my first one in 1965. Many of the Denver ones reached circulation and I imagine some are still found occasionally. They all have a lightly punched "D" directly above the normal "D", so they would be listed as a variety even if the two date sizes were not present. Circulated specimens often sell on eBay for less than $40.
Wish I could afford a 1943 bronze cent, as that's my birth year. I do have a nice roll of unc. steelies.
TwoSides2aCoin: this [1969/1969-S] may fetch honorable mention.
I disagree. While I would not say that the doubling on the 1969/1969-S is subtle, it is not blatant. It takes a moment to notice the doubling. The 1955/1955 doubles are much more apparent and have much more of an emotional impact. Although I acknowledge that this might be very rare, it really seems to be a minor variety. There are many 20th century U.S. Mint Errors that are far rarer and are far more noticeable, several of which are discussed in my articles. At current price levels, $17,000 to $50,000, 1969/1969-S Lincolns really do not seem to be good values and do not seem to be among the 15 or 20 Greatest Lincoln Cents in Existence, IMO. The already mentioned 'Small Date over Large Date; cents are far cooler.
… or dishonorable mention. In either case, I like the '69 S DDO. Just spoke to a young lady in the office today about a 1992 D Close AM as she showed me her 2x2 flips and a 1992 D AU Lincoln cent with the WIDE AM. It was incumbent upon me to ensure here that her coins were as important as the greatest coins out there. Not that I can really find a desire to buy hers, but I could add to the enjoyment with a few of mine, so I did.
To that point and as a counter point to Analyst, thanks for addressing my post. I'm honored you would take the time. Also; one person's mention may make a difference to the future of the hobby, even if seemingly small.
Now on to greater coins. Scratch that '69 S … I'll go with the '09 S VDB and leave it at that.
My thoughts - while there can be 10 coins that can be pointed to as "The Greatest", due to rarity, value etc, I see one coin as standing out.
It has to be the 55 DDO.
While a coin such as the 58 DDO is out of the ballpark more rare, it is not as in your face, or as available to the common collector as the 55 DDO. There are enough 55 DDO's in the marketplace to enable many collectors to obtain and personally admire one. This Lincoln, perhaps more than any other has drawn so many people into becoming coin collectors.
TwoSides2aCoin: … or dishonorable mention. In either case, I like the '69 S DDO.
I was not suggesting that there is anything "dishonorable" or annoying about the 1969/1969-S. It was certainly not my intention to hurt anyone's feelings. I thought of this thread as an educational discussion, not a social gathering. I just said above that the doubling on the 1969/1969-S is not blatant. It takes a moment to notice the doubling. The 1955/1955 doubles are much more apparent and have much more of an emotional impact. Evidently, JRocco also perceives the 1955/1955 as being greater than the 1969/1969-S.
TwoSides2aCoin: Just spoke to a young lady in the office today about a 1992 D Close AM as she showed me her 2x2 flips and a 1992 D AU Lincoln cent with the WIDE AM.
I guess that TwoSides is saying that this "young lady" was being educated about the Close AM variety although she had a representative of the common "Wide AM" variety? Did she believe at first that she had the rarer variety? In any event, I hope that she was fascinated by the explanation, as I was intrigued when, after reading TwoSides' most recent post, I looked up the 1992 Philadelphia Mint "Close AM" variety on PCGS CoinFacts. There is a PCGS population of five, in all grades, only one of which is uncirculated!
The 1992-D "Close AM" is not as rare as the 1992-Philadelphia "Close AM," though it seems that fewer than fifty are known, out of a mintage of nearly 4.5 billion! There are probably more that have yet to be discovered. Each retails for more than $1000!
My thoughts - while there can be 10 coins that can be pointed to as "The Greatest", due to rarity, value etc, I see one coin as standing out.
It has to be the 55 DDO.
While a coin such as the 58 DDO is out of the ballpark more rare, it is not as in your face, or as available to the common collector as the 55 DDO. There are enough 55 DDO's in the marketplace to enable many collectors to obtain and personally admire one. This Lincoln, perhaps more than any other has drawn so many people into becoming coin collectors.
1955 DDO
The king of the Lincoln series
What an absolutely stunning example of the 55DD. What's great about this specimen is the luster location highlights so well the doubling. My favorite error/variety of all time. Especially this example.
Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
This may be apochryphal, but the story I've heard is that many of these were found in the Northeast in cigarette vending machines. A pack in 1955 cost $0.23, so the machines were set to take $0.25 payment and your two cents change was tucked into the cellophane wrapper on the individual packs. It is believed that the exposure to the plastic wrappers is what imparted this type of toning.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Comments
I have heard that there exists a 1910 P and S VDB where the VDB was partially grinded off but visible, anyone ever seen one of these ?
Pretty sure it was Bill Fivaz who claimed to have examined a 1910-S cent with traces of the VDB visible on the reverse. I' ve also seen pics of a 1910-S with heavy abrasion and die polishing marks in the area where the VDB would be. That said I do not believe there is a conclusive "smoking gun" example with clearly visible initials.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
I have heard that there exists a 1910 P and S VDB where the VDB was partially grinded off but visible, anyone ever seen one of these ?
Pretty sure it was Bill Fivaz who claimed to have examined a 1910-S cent with traces of the VDB visible on the reverse. I' ve also seen pics of a 1910-S with heavy abrasion and die polishing marks in the area where the VDB would be. That said I do not believe there is a conclusive "smoking gun" example with clearly visible initials.
Sean Reynolds
I have an'09 Lincoln that shows striations where the VDB would have been.
I received from a forum member who does have knowledge in the area.
Awhile back I got into discussion ATS and was told (paraphrase)...I've written books, if you knew what I know, you wouldn't be so stupid.
So, no more discussion.
My contention is simply that the mint would have more inclined to salvage the dies due to it's frugality, than to scrap them.
Whatever.
Y'know how a few late-date Indian cents got struck on gold quarter-eagle planchets?
What if that had happened for a few early - date Lincoln cents, too?
There's a 1915 out there somewhere, but I haven't seen it.
I would LOVE to see that, and it would certainly warrant inclusion in the Top Ten, in my opinion.
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.
Is it not in the hoard?
TDN, If memory serves, this coin is indeed part of "The hoard".
It is definitely part of "The Hoard". (the 1909VDB MPL in PR67RB+).
Now the key questions are (1) WHERE is "The Hoard" now?
(2) WHY isn't "The Hoard" ever mentioned in the numismatic papers or on ANY coin media?
I, for one, would like to know.
Steve
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
this has my vote, heck they all do
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
I had no idea this existed, to I looked it up. Apparently there are 3.
2 in MS64, and 1 in MS65.
I had no idea this existed, to I looked it up. Apparently there are 3.
2 in MS64, and 1 in MS65.
I am almost certain that the better of the two upgraded to a 65RD, and that there are only two known.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
As for the 1964 SMS coins I was offered a group by Jess Lipka back in the late 90's. They seemed very expensive for 1964 coins, probably $700 - $1200 per coin, so I passed. I think they came from Lester Merkin's estate and he got them from the estate of Eva Adams, Director of the Mint.
I was offered one of the 1958 DDOs back in 1996. It was a sealed bid three way auction. This was before registry sets so it was virtually unknown to most collectors. I bid $25,000. The winning bid was $25,025, or so I was told. I think it was a plot to determine the value.
Rick, you would probably remember this, was it Sam Lukes who had one of these for sale for years? I may be confusing this with the gem 1969-S DDO, but I seem to recall that he had an example prominently featured in his Numismatic News ads for years at a $75K list price.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
http://images.ha.com/lf?source=url[file:images/inetpub/newnames/300/4/4/3/8/4438237.jpg],continueonerror[true]&scale=size[450x2000],options[limit]&source=url[file:images/inetpub/webuse/no_image_available.gif],if[(%27global.source.error%27)]&sink=preservemd[true]http://images.ha.com/lf?source=url[file:images/inetpub/newnames/300/4/4/3/8/4438243.jpg],continueonerror[true]&scale=size[450x2000],options[limit]&source=url[file:images/inetpub/webuse/no_image_available.gif],if[('global.source.error')]&sink=preservemd[true]
I was offered one of the 1958 DDOs back in 1996. It was a sealed bid three way auction. This was before registry sets so it was virtually unknown to most collectors. I bid $25,000. The winning bid was $25,025, or so I was told. I think it was a plot to determine the value.
Rick, you would probably remember this, was it Sam Lukes who had one of these for sale for years? I may be confusing this with the gem 1969-S DDO, but I seem to recall that he had an example prominently featured in his Numismatic News ads for years at a $75K list price.
Sean Reynolds
Yes, Sam had it when I offered on it. It sold later for $35K - $40K and it came back to him again at a later date. This was when it was for sale at $75K.
HELP!!!
Nice!
Is it not in the hoard?
TDN, If memory serves, this coin is indeed part of "The hoard".
It is definitely part of "The Hoard". (the 1909VDB MPL in PR67RB+).
Now the key questions are (1) WHERE is "The Hoard" now?
(2) WHY isn't "The Hoard" ever mentioned in the numismatic papers or on ANY coin media?
I, for one, would like to know.
Steve
More info on this hoard, please.
BHNC #203
How about the 1959 LWC Mule? ...or has it been debunked???
The Mystery Of The 1959-d Mule Lincoln Cent
I have seen both a 1959 and a 1959-D wheatback cent, and am of the OPINION that both are altered dates.
TD
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
#2 the one and only '55 double die
#3 '74 Aluminum
#4 '59 Wheatie
#5 1995 Double die
#6 1992 Close A.M.
#7 1999 Wide A.M.
than the non- error/variety
#8 1909s VDB
#9 1914d
#10 1931s
These are my choices anyway.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.Kinda surprised that the 1983 LMC Transitional Planchet (Copper) has not been addressed.
If I have this story correct (and my track record on this thread has been pretty good so far
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Kinda surprised that the 1983 LMC Transitional Planchet (Copper) has not been addressed.
If I have this story correct (and my track record on this thread has been pretty good so far
Sean Reynolds
1983 Copper Cent (Billy Crawford (PCGS))
Heritage Auction - 1983 1C Cent -- Struck on Copper Planchet
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
edited to add....... Last I had heard, Dr. Pete of the ESM collection owned one of the 58 DDO's and Stewart owned the other two. Anyone else with an update?
Interesting thread - neat stuff.
Anyone know if Sam Lukes is still alive??
How about the 1959 LWC Mule? ...or has it been debunked???
The Mystery Of The 1959-d Mule Lincoln Cent
I have seen both a 1959 and a 1959-D wheatback cent, and am of the OPINION that both are altered dates.
TD
I was shown a 1958 Lincoln Memorial cent at the Baltimore show. The owner was hoping for $20K. He found it in circulation and I believe him. Unfortunately, the coin had a visible seam on the edge.
Earlier in this thread, Rich Uhrich posted pictures of 1944, 1944-D and 1944-S steels, including the PCGS graded MS-66 1944-S steel cent. This is the only 1944 steel from any mint that is of gem quality, and it is of higher quality than any known 1943, 1943-D or 1943-S copper! It will be auctioned in January 2016 at the FUN Convention.
http://www.pcgs.com/cert/18523808
Why Are 1943 Copper and 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent Errors So Valuable?
insightful10@gmail.com
Best Regards,
George
John Story Jenks/ McCullagh 1909 vdb matte proof Lincoln should be on the list. I don't have picture handy, perhaps someone could post it.
Can ANYONE tell me who owns THIS coin today? Where the coin is today? I know it was purchased from the McCullagh auction at the 2014 ANA Worlds Fair of Money. I know it was offered for sale during the October 2014 until early 2015. Does ANYONE know the whereabouts of this very valuable 1909VDB MPL that sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at the ANA auction?
Steve
it's here
Never knew about the steel 42 proof either - that is an amazing coin. Is it unique?
It's aluminum, not steel, and it is unique.
The discovery was posted right here back in 2008. Very exciting times on the forums and one of the cl*****ic threads IMO
My candidate for one of the greatest Lincoln flubs is 1956 D/D RPM 1. It's great because not just a few but some 4 million of these were made.
The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.
Albert Einstein (14 March 1879--18 April 1955)
It's rather curious to this observer that most of the considered greatest Lincoln cents in existence are flubs.
I'm biased but I remember a post with an MS-69 1919 that was simply spectacular.
By the same token some of the later Lincolns can be spectacular as well. Some of the late-'80's Denver issues are highly PL and virtually flawless.
The problem with Lincolns is they were all made in substantial quantities so other than a few dates like the '14-D or the '26-S they are readily available even in Gem so many people just consider them common. I think any Lincoln that is scarce in Gem or in extremely high grade can belong on the list and this certainly includes even a PL 1988-D in MS-69.
Lincolns have something for everyone unless they only like rare dates in regular issues.
CladKing:
I agree, as there are multitude of interesting Lincoln cents to pursue or otherwise enjoy. The off-metal World War II era pieces are some of many curiosities. 1922 plains, and 1955/1955 Doubles should be mentioned in this context. 1983 coppers are noteworthy.
Overdate:
George:
Agreed, those Small Date over Large Date cents are cool. Further, these are reasonably priced curiosities, less costly than 1955/1955, 1969/1969-S or subtle 1972/1972 doubles. The ultra-distinctive, small zero on large zero 1960-D is unlike anything else of the same genre.
Why Are 1943 Copper and 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent Errors So Valuable?
insightful10@gmail.com
George:
Agreed, those Small Date over Large Date cents are cool. Further, these are reasonably priced curiosities, less costly than 1955/1955, 1969/1969-S or subtle 1972/1972 doubles. The ultra-distinctive, small zero on large zero 1960-D is unlike anything else of the same genre.
Thanks, I've liked them since I acquired my first one in 1965. Many of the Denver ones reached circulation and I imagine some are still found occasionally. They all have a lightly punched "D" directly above the normal "D", so they would be listed as a variety even if the two date sizes were not present. Circulated specimens often sell on eBay for less than $40.
Wish I could afford a 1943 bronze cent, as that's my birth year. I do have a nice roll of unc. steelies.
null
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
this may fetch honorable mention.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
TwoSides2aCoin:
I disagree. While I would not say that the doubling on the 1969/1969-S is subtle, it is not blatant. It takes a moment to notice the doubling. The 1955/1955 doubles are much more apparent and have much more of an emotional impact. Although I acknowledge that this might be very rare, it really seems to be a minor variety. There are many 20th century U.S. Mint Errors that are far rarer and are far more noticeable, several of which are discussed in my articles. At current price levels, $17,000 to $50,000, 1969/1969-S Lincolns really do not seem to be good values and do not seem to be among the 15 or 20 IMO. The already mentioned 'Small Date over Large Date; cents are far cooler.
Why Are 1943 Copper and 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent Errors So Valuable?
Geyer Collection of WWII Era U.S. Mint Errors, many of which are PCGS certified
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To that point and as a counter point to Analyst, thanks for addressing my post. I'm honored you would take the time. Also; one person's mention may make a difference to the future of the hobby, even if seemingly small.
Now on to greater coins. Scratch that '69 S … I'll go with the '09 S VDB and leave it at that.
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Lafayette Grading Set
My thoughts - while there can be 10 coins that can be pointed to as "The Greatest", due to rarity, value etc, I see one coin as standing out.
It has to be the 55 DDO.
While a coin such as the 58 DDO is out of the ballpark more rare, it is not as in your face, or as available to the common collector as the 55 DDO. There are enough 55 DDO's in the marketplace to enable many collectors to obtain and personally admire one. This Lincoln, perhaps more than any other has drawn so many people into becoming coin collectors.
1955 DDO
The king of the Lincoln series
TwoSides2aCoin:
I was not suggesting that there is anything "dishonorable" or annoying about the 1969/1969-S. It was certainly not my intention to hurt anyone's feelings. I thought of this thread as an educational discussion, not a social gathering. I just said above that the doubling on the 1969/1969-S is not blatant. It takes a moment to notice the doubling. The 1955/1955 doubles are much more apparent and have much more of an emotional impact. Evidently, JRocco also perceives the 1955/1955 as being greater than the 1969/1969-S.
TwoSides2aCoin:
I guess that TwoSides is saying that this "young lady" was being educated about the Close AM variety although she had a representative of the common "Wide AM" variety? Did she believe at first that she had the rarer variety? In any event, I hope that she was fascinated by the explanation, as I was intrigued when, after reading TwoSides' most recent post, I looked up the 1992 Philadelphia Mint "Close AM" variety on PCGS CoinFacts. There is a PCGS population of five, in all grades, only one of which is uncirculated!
The 1992-D "Close AM" is not as rare as the 1992-Philadelphia "Close AM," though it seems that fewer than fifty are known, out of a mintage of nearly 4.5 billion! There are probably more that have yet to be discovered. Each retails for more than $1000!
Are Many Classic U.S. Coins Common?
What a great thread.
My thoughts - while there can be 10 coins that can be pointed to as "The Greatest", due to rarity, value etc, I see one coin as standing out.
It has to be the 55 DDO.
While a coin such as the 58 DDO is out of the ballpark more rare, it is not as in your face, or as available to the common collector as the 55 DDO. There are enough 55 DDO's in the marketplace to enable many collectors to obtain and personally admire one. This Lincoln, perhaps more than any other has drawn so many people into becoming coin collectors.
1955 DDO
The king of the Lincoln series
This may be apochryphal, but the story I've heard is that many of these were found in the Northeast in cigarette vending machines. A pack in 1955 cost $0.23, so the machines were set to take $0.25 payment and your two cents change was tucked into the cellophane wrapper on the individual packs. It is believed that the exposure to the plastic wrappers is what imparted this type of toning.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor