This is not my coin (I wish). But this is the most beautiful Lincoln Cent I've ever seen in my life. A 1910 Matte Proof with some really unique toning -- and if you have a pile of cash laying around, it can be yours. It's for sale (unfortunately, way out of my league). The NGC price guide values this date and grade at $1030, but the seller slapped a 2.5x premium for toning, which is probably why it's not selling. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230451222951&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT If you have an early proof lincoln, feel free to post it. These are fun to look at. I might have to find one of these early proof coins with some interesting toning that I can actually afford (at some point).
I've seen that MPL before, it is a very nice piece. I have a 1910 in PR-64 RB that I picked up at a coin show in January. Not the best photos, I was trying to capture the toning, which is very hard. But if you tilt it in the light, it has nice blueish green toning on the reverse (don't worry, its not pvc). The obverse has some vivid colors as well, a little bit of yellow, green and some shades of blue. These coins are perfect to collect if you have deep pockets. This one posted cost me $1200, but worth every "penny" of it!
That's beautful Coinguy! I like the mottled effect of the red, gold, and green colors. Your RB is actually worth more (by the book) than the 1st one (which is only a BR) -- although the seller slapped a 2.5x premium on big blue for the toning. These early proofs must be hard to find as the mintages are pretty low. Did you have to pay up for yours?
I keep seeing it on eBay. It has been listed there more than once and has not sold yet. Personally, I prefer some of Charmy's coins
+1. The coin in the eBay listing is nice, but I wonder if the coin actually looks like that in hand...
MPL's are a joy to behold. My favorite is below. No, it is not mine. It sold last year for $200k+. PCGS graded it PR67+RB. 1909 VDB MPL's are very scarce. Experts believe that fewer than 150 exist today. Lance.
OMG!!!! I love that. That's beats the "blue boy" by a mile. Oh to be be able to afford such things of beauty!
Me and my Dad went in halves for this one, $600 each. The guy was asking $1450 for it and I offered $1200 and he accepted. This is my favorite MPL, the most beautiful I've seen. I'd pay double on what this coin's worth just because of it's eye appeal. I love it. It's part of a Rasinet collection on the PCGS registry.
WOW! Stunningly beautiful. Now that was a bargain! Excellent buy. Nice that your dad and you could split it. You know for the price, that has to be my favorite one on this page! Where did you find it? (ebay? coinshow?)
I was curious about the term MPL used above. At first I thought it might stand for Matte Proof Like ... but then found it actually stood for Matte Proof Lincoln There is a great web resource on these early Matte Proof Lincoln coins ... http://www.lincolncentresource.com/Matte_Proofs.html I was interested to find out they only minted Matte Proofs in the Lincoln Cent series from 1909 through 1916 (with a few illegally struck in 1917). I assume starting in 1918 they switched over the regular mirrored proof ... is that right?. I like the web reference above because it talked about the whys of minting and the diagnositcs of a MPL. Does anyone know if any Matte Proofs were struck for any other coin for other years?
To the best of my knowledge, none have been certified for 1917 and none were made from 1917? through 1936. In 1936, they made both a satin and a brilliant proof.
so is a satin proof the same as a matte proof ... or is the term MPL reserved for lincoln matte proofs from 1909-1916?
The mintages are low but there always seem to be Matte Proof Lincolns available on the market. Maybe not the top end pieces, but if you don't insist on the best they are available. No. Other than some matte proof commemorative half dollars and the 1921 and 22 proof peace dollars no proof coins were struck between 1916 and 1936. Then when they did return they came back as satin finish proofs. Brilliant proofs did not begin until part way through 1936.
A large, reputable auction, such as one of the Heritage ones. The upcoming Long Beach auction has 6 or 8 to choose from. You might find some at a coin show. Kind of hit or miss. I would prefer to see an MPL in hand so I am reluctant to use ebay. There are some dealers I whose opinions I would trust, however. Lance.
New collectors should be VERY wary of the MPLs. There are lots of doctored examples, IMO, including several posted to this thread.
I'd recommend attending a coin show for your best bet. Heritage ripped me off on a MPL I bought from them (I have two) it had PVC damage.
Hey thanks for all the tips and warnings! I would only buy one if it was slabbed by NGC or PCGS ... however even that doesnt guarantee you wont get ripped off.