Updated pictures from my earlier thread.

Comments

• Myqqy Posts: 9,777 ✭

  November 24, 2005 9:42AM

  Die scratches??

  My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable !

  0
• MikeInFL Posts: 10,188 ✭✭✭✭

  November 24, 2005 10:28AM

  He means die polish, I hope...
  
  Joe, Take a look at the "scratches" with a loupe. Are they raised (die polish) or are they incused (scratches)?
  
  FWIW, here is what David Lange says in his book The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents concerning the diagnostics for the 1916 proof:
  
  Though of matte finish, 1916 proofs have finer surfaces than the proofs of 1911-15. Uncleaned examples are very rare, somewhat hampering authentication. The dies for this issue were very skillfully pepared, the only evidence of polishing lines being between the numerals 1 and 9 of the date, between letters US of TRUST and just a few fine lines at WE. The single reverse die bears some polishing lines above PLURIBUS which follow the curve of the border.
  
  The new obverse master hub introduced this year greatly enhanced the already rich detailing of LIncoln's hair and beard, making proofs of this date perhaps the most desireable from a technical and asthetic standpoint.
  
  
  Hope this helps...Mike

  Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.

  0