Please Help Me ID older circulated Proof Lincolns

pnylvr · March 26, 2007 10:46AM

I have been trying, unsuccessfully for some time, to identify circulated proof lincoln cents from 1909-1916. I am not sure of any telltale signs to look for. Can anyone help me out? enclosed is a photo of a 1915. Tell me what you think please!!

pharmer · March 26, 2007 11:14AM

Well, if no one knowledgeable is gonna weigh in, I'll bite. You mean to say you've been at this "for some time" yet don't know of any telltale signs yet? Might be a clue as to the odds of succeeding.

Have you realized that by searching for circ matte proofs, you're likely going to miss the rim definition, strike characteristics and matte surface because of the wear? And that with a total mintage of 1150 in the case of the 1915 here, out of a mintage of 29 million plus 1915 business strikes, you would have better luck finding a needle in a haystack. Also, with so few proofs made, how many do you surmise made it into circulation?

May I ask a question out of curiosity, since I replied? How or why did you begin this noble quest?

TomB · March 26, 2007 11:26AM

Since you want to know what I think...I think you should learn the diagnostics of matte proof Lincoln cents.

JRocco · March 26, 2007 11:30AM

Hey pnylvr,
Can you explain your icon?
Oh yea----I agree with what they said.

RichieURich · March 26, 2007 11:42AM

Might I suggest changing your quest to IDing a circulated Cheerios Sacagawea dollar. There you have a possibility of success, and if you find one, it's worth at least $1,000!

pharmer · March 26, 2007 11:43AM

Here's my ngc 66rb 1915 proof. You wear down that beard, scuff up and put wear on the fields and rub the rim long enough, could be a tough ID.

WaterSport · March 26, 2007 11:43AM

Once you know the die makers, you would have a better shot at looking for Unc examples as many dealers will tell you they can not tell the difference. If your serious and want to learn the die markers you will need a copy of the 1983 ANA reprint on matte proofs or a copy of the combined ANA booklet on counterfeits and matte proofs. They are cheap, usually around $15 and have black and white illustrations of all the matte proof die markers. It is a must have reference for matte collectors.

• ISBN-10: 0317125753
• ISBN-13: 978-0317125757

WS

LeeG · March 26, 2007 11:52AM

<< <i>Here's my ngc 66rb 1915 proof. You wear down that beard, scuff up and put wear on the fields and rub the rim long enough, could be a tough ID.

>>

Very Nice example!

pnylvr · March 26, 2007 12:03PM

I just began looking thru some old coins I had and began to wonder about the proof lincolns. This particular coin has very sharp edges to it. I just don't know if that helps to id a proof lincoln from this era.

pnylvr · March 26, 2007 12:07PM

Thanks for the help. I have tried locally to get a look at a matte proof in unc condition. But as has been mentioned in this thread, they are unavailble. I thank the preson for posting his images.

drwstr123 · March 26, 2007 8:03PM

pnylvr-
In reference to the 1915 die markers, I'll quote, "However, some die polish might be from the master die. If this is the case, similar die polish might appear on business strikes also." Mike

WaterSport · March 26, 2007 10:03PM

Do a serach for "copper" under this forum and look at the pictures posted of Mattes.

WS

RedneckHB · March 26, 2007 11:18PM

My opinion is that they wouldnt be worth much more than a business strike anyway.

Please Help Me ID older circulated Proof Lincolns

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