Home U.S. Coin Forum
Options

Error experts: Questions about EARLY off-center Lincoln Cent

cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 8,056 ✭✭✭✭✭
I picked this 1917-D cent up at a show yesterday for a very reasonable price. The coin is gorgeous- the photos don't show it, but there is underlying luster on both sides.

I have questions about it though. First, is it a genuine off-center? To me, it appears so based on what I know about them, and based on other O/C coins I own. Second are the 'bumpy' patches on the reverse, particularly 'ATES' and 'CA'. They are raised (not pitting), and are the same brown color of the coin. As a collector of Morgan VAMs, I'm very familiar with rusted dies, and that's exactly what this looks like. I don't ever recall, though, hearing about any rusted dies being found on Lincoln cents, and am curious if this can be found in the series.

Any opinions on this coin would be appreciated!

image
image
You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.

Comments

  • Options
    rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Very interesting coin.... I am no expert on OC coins so cannot really offer confirmation

    in that regard... it does look like the result of a rusted die on the obverse, but Fred W.

    would be the best to judge that. Nice find...Cheers, RickO
  • Options
    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .

    1. nothing i see to suggest it isnt authentic.



    2. it is pitting, of the die and cool and probably not common as ive not seen it that extensive for a lincoln, not that it adds value.



    3. nice and probably very tough date for o/c, especially in this state of preserve.



    4. the "damage" around the rim in places is probably all from the collar/dies during the o/c striking process.



    5. nice newp!

    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • Options
    davewesendavewesen Posts: 6,946 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I feel authentic but TPGs will put it in a details damaged holder because of the scraping which sometimes occurs with off centers.
  • Options
    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 33,986 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: LanceNewmanOCC

    .

    1. nothing i see to suggest it isnt authentic.



    2. it is pitting, of the die and cool and probably not common as ive not seen it that extensive for a lincoln, not that it adds value.



    3. nice and probably very tough date for o/c, especially in this state of preserve.



    4. the "damage" around the rim in places is probably all from the collar/dies during the o/c striking process.



    5. nice newp!

    .




    image
    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.
  • Options
    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .

    fwiw, i am pretty sure ive seen strong pitting on virtually all us coin types and decade.



    exceptions (for me) include but may not be limited to, 3cn, 3sc and maybe a couple gold issues but i'd make a strong wager it can be found on all bs issues.



    patterns, specimen, pr/pf, satin proof, brilliant, chapmen, etc aside. much scarcer on these if not not-existent on some type completely.



    tough to encumber all types with general statements. i should be careful.

    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • Options
    WildIdeaWildIdea Posts: 1,881 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would think it would straight grade as there are plenty of trashed out scraps with grades. This coin appears to have its damage from the mint, with a touch of friction on the check bone is all. Apparently pulled from circulation pretty early for being odd I suppose. It's really cool, thanks for posting.
  • Options
    291fifth291fifth Posts: 25,202 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Errors are not an area I know a lot about but that one strikes me as being unusually nice. The eye-appeal is excellent and I don't see any post-mint damage. It looks authentic to me.
    All glory is fleeting.
  • Options
    mannie graymannie gray Posts: 7,259 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Coin looks good to me. I think it would straight grade.

    I've seen a few 1916,17,18,19,20 Philly coins O/C, but can't recall ever seeing a 17-D.

    I'm thinking it is much scarcer, but just a WAG on my part.
  • Options
    JeffMTampaJeffMTampa Posts: 3,323 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's a WOW in my book. Love it!
    I love them Barber Halves.....
  • Options
    joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 18,619 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice! I like. More than 5%.image

    "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.
  • Options
    mannie graymannie gray Posts: 7,259 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That's a great coin, I forgot to say.

    Looks like a 64 BN to me.
  • Options
    stashstash Posts: 1,126 ✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: cmerlo1
    I picked this 1917-D cent up at a show yesterday for a very reasonable price. The coin is gorgeous- the photos don't show it, but there is underlying luster on both sides.

    I have questions about it though. First, is it a genuine off-center? To me, it appears so based on what I know about them, and based on other O/C coins I own. Second are the 'bumpy' patches on the reverse, particularly 'ATES' and 'CA'. They are raised (not pitting), and are the same brown color of the coin. As a collector of Morgan VAMs, I'm very familiar with rusted dies, and that's exactly what this looks like. I don't ever recall, though, hearing about any rusted dies being found on Lincoln cents, and am curious if this can be found in the series.

    Any opinions on this coin would be appreciated!

    image
    image


    Its called an uncentered broadstruck and here's a 71 I own


    [URL=http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/stash38/media/A017 - 20151213_122233 2_zpszn28har1.jpg.html]image[/URL][URL=http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/stash38/media/A032 - 20151213_162355 2_zpsztb37q6a.jpg.html]image[/URL]

  • Options
    stashstash Posts: 1,126 ✭✭✭
    Here's a good article on the difference between " Off Centered " and " Uncentered "


    Article
  • Options
    cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 8,056 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: stash
    Here's a good article on the difference between " Off Centered " and " Uncentered "


    Article



    Thanks for the link! I figured since the 'L' in 'LIBERTY' was cut off, it was off-center...
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • Options
    stashstash Posts: 1,126 ✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: cmerlo1
    Originally posted by: stash
    Here's a good article on the difference between " Off Centered " and " Uncentered "


    Article



    Thanks for the link! I figured since the 'L' in 'LIBERTY' was cut off, it was off-center...


    I can still see the " L " in LIBERTY .
    I think it should be uncentered, but I'm no expert by far ...
  • Options
    CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 33,986 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: cmerlo1

    Originally posted by: stash

    Here's a good article on the difference between " Off Centered " and " Uncentered "





    Article






    Thanks for the link! I figured since the 'L' in 'LIBERTY' was cut off, it was off-center...





    It's right on the borderline, and I would give it the benefit of the doubt and call it off-center because of that missing L. Won't argue with those that say otherwise.



    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.
  • Options
    AMRCAMRC Posts: 4,280 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Coin was a great pick-up for sure. I can't wait to hear what Fred says.
    MLAeBayNumismatics: "The greatest hobby in the world!"
  • Options
    FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Mornin' all -



    It's genuine, it's 5% off center, imo, and yes,

    it's a much scarcer date/mm than the P mints

    of that era.



    I also believe, absence what the reverse 'stuff' is,

    it would 'straight grade' with no problems.



    The schmutsum on the reverse could easily be corrosion

    that acetone won't take off.
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • Options
    TiborTibor Posts: 3,800 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thank you for clearing things up for us.
  • Options
    cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 8,056 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks everyone! I'll be submitting the coin for grading, so fingers crossed- I still believe the reverse was struck by a rusted die, and really hope that's the case.
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • Options
    FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's not from a rusty die, that I'm certain of.
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • Options
    cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 8,056 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks again, Fred!
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • Options
    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .

    good call on thinking about un-centered b/s. those tend to be more desirable and they do slip my mind occasional when viewing what looks like o/c coins. it didnt occur to me since the metal past the L is not there and diameter looks normal. imo



    after reading that page, again lol, it makes me wonder how a coin can go much past 10% o/c and not be a u.c.b. it seems the collar would be pushed out of the way in some direction. collars must be quite thin and/or have some major flexible connections.



    just something doesnt sit right with me about the flan, dies and collar not being lined up w/o causing major damage to a coin called o/c.



    the collar is out of the way for u.c.b. so there is some major play/flexibility in the parts of the collar. otherwise the coin would be mangled or the collar would be busted.



    would love to see good images of a few collars.



    since we are going full-bore on this one, i will say those "lathe?" lines in the right obv field and head/face are peculiar.



    can we get close-ups of a couple of those rev big patches of "pitting". i've had goup fool me before, even with a coin in-hand.



    also, could you reupload the images at 900 to 950 wide. unless it is a huge inconvenience. image

    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • Options
    cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 8,056 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: LanceNewmanOCC
    .
    good call on thinking about un-centered b/s. those tend to be more desirable and they do slip my mind occasional when viewing what looks like o/c coins. it didnt occur to me since the metal past the L is not there and diameter looks normal. imo

    after reading that page, again lol, it makes me wonder how a coin can go much past 10% o/c and not be a u.c.b. it seems the collar would be pushed out of the way in some direction. collars must be quite thin and/or have some major flexible connections.

    just something doesnt sit right with me about the flan, dies and collar not being lined up w/o causing major damage to a coin called o/c.

    the collar is out of the way for u.c.b. so there is some major play/flexibility in the parts of the collar. otherwise the coin would be mangled or the collar would be busted.

    would love to see good images of a few collars.

    since we are going full-bore on this one, i will say those "lathe?" lines in the right obv field and head/face are peculiar.

    can we get close-ups of a couple of those rev big patches of "pitting". i've had goup fool me before, even with a coin in-hand.

    also, could you reupload the images at 900 to 950 wide. unless it is a huge inconvenience. image
    .


    This is the best magnification I can get with my camera:



    image


    I'm thinking about hitting it with a little acetone to see what happens.

    Here are the original images, 925 wide:



    image
    image

    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • Options
    gonzergonzer Posts: 3,084 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The schmutsum on the reverse




    Schmutsum???image
  • Options
    SoCalBigMarkSoCalBigMark Posts: 2,847 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Looks like off center plus stuck through something.
  • Options
    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .

    ty for uploading narrower images. i was hoping to shrink the larger images a bit as they cause the text to go too far over and my tablet is only like 1388x760 or whatever.



    no worries. i get the point. image



    if acetone doesn't get the stuff off, send me original, unedited images from your camera and i'll work my magic with the image(s). oldcollectorcoins@gmail.com



    it is a big deal to know what is on the rev is the only reason i'm pressing.

    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • Options
    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .

    tx for the images.



    gotta be die pitting.



    here is one similar to yours i sold a while back.



    image

    image

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • Options
    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .

    looking at some different die images, the collar is not part of the die or is it?



    thought for sure that a collar was a separate piece, not a collar of the die(s) like a collar on a shirt?

    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • Options
    FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The collar is a separate piece of metal -





    They can be 3 inches in diameter or larger, with

    a hole in the middle - for the planchet to seat itself

    properly in the collar, in anticipation of the two dies

    coming together.



    If the planchet doesn't fit completely INTO the collar, and is struck,

    you'll get either a Partial Collar Strike ("RailRoad Rim"), and if

    the planchet is laying totally on TOP of the collar, it will be Broadstruck,

    as there is no collar to prevent the 65-85 tons of pressure from forcing

    the metal into the recesses of the Dies, like a normal coin strike.



    Some out-of-the-collar Broadstrikes are centered, some are uncentered,

    and in many cases, on Type 1 Blanks, which are just a bit larger than

    a Type 2 Planchet with an Upset Rim.





    It's more or a metallic doughnut than a shirt collar.





    Hope this helps a bit....
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • Options
    Coin FinderCoin Finder Posts: 7,755 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice coin and good score! This coin does looked "worked on" a bit probably to conserve it..
  • Options
    LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: FredWeinberg





    It's more or a metallic doughnut than a shirt collar.





    Hope this helps a bit....




    yes. affirmation of what i thought and i appreciate it.



    seeing some dies with big lips going well above the die surface, around the edge made me wonder if there was/were a collarless setup.



    i doubt a little lip could withstand that repeated pressure.

    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • Options
    MedalCollectorMedalCollector Posts: 2,091 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I believe those bumps on the reverse are some form of damage, so I don't think acetone will do anything to it. What caused the die pitting, I'm unsure.

    What is especially interesting about this piece specifically, are the (de)lamination marks on the un-struck portion of the coin's reverse.

    would love to see good images of a few collars.


    I own maybe five or six collar dies from the San Francisco Mint, however I do not have them photographed, unfortunately. There is a seller on ebay who has quite a few and has been selling them for a couple years. They came from the huge batch of cancelled dies that were released in the late 1960s.
  • Options
    BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Joining this thread a bit late as I just saw this now...



    It's Off Center as a portion on the L in Liberty in missing.



    For 1917 Denver errors are far tougher the San Fransisco.



    Although the San Francisco planchets come wood grained due to mixture all the Denver's I've handled have been fine.



    The reverse was not struck from rusted dies as if you look at the flan (blank non struck portion) it's brittle, flaky, and ready to delaminate.



    I feel the reverse has mild environmental damage from either improper storage or exposure to a acidic substance.



    Do NOT use Acetone on this as the reverse is porous.

    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • Options
    gonzergonzer Posts: 3,084 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The schmutsum on the reverse




    I'm calling Fred out! I've been looking everywhere for this word and knowing Fred's a Southern California boy I even looked in the 'Jeff Spicoli Dictionary of Beach Slang'. Nada. Zip. Zilch. This's bugging the heck outta me!

    What the %$#&* is "SCHMUTSUM"?
  • Options
    davewesendavewesen Posts: 6,946 ✭✭✭✭✭


    schmutz





    [shmoo ts]



    Spell Syllables



    Word Origin









    noun, Slang.





    1.



    dirt; filth; garbage
  • Options
    FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Yep - my use, and spelling (probably incorrect) of

    'schmutsum' is from the root word "schmutz'.



    ie; dirt, filth, garbage, or, as I use it - 'stuff'.



    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • Options
    cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 8,056 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm proud this post helped contribute to the numismatic lexicon image
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • Options
    ashelandasheland Posts: 24,519 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I like that! Great thread!
  • Options
    MFHMFH Posts: 11,720 ✭✭✭✭
    I really like the coin as my Dad was born in 1917.


    Over the last 25 years, I have picked up some error coins of that date.


    I can say that the Philadelphia issue is by far the most common for errors.


    I have a few D's & S's. They do show up every so often.


    Edited to add a few images...






    image



    image



    image



    These are the most dramatic O/C's I have from 1917...







    .



    Mike Hayes
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !

    New Barber Purchases

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file