Hey all, I bought a set of Lincoln's from ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/271024772514?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649) I knew when I bought them that most likely all (or most) were cleaned. However, the 1914-D and 1931-S both looked in decent condition to me and I made an offer to the seller and they took it. I got the coins today and as suspected, many of the key / semi-keys are cleaned / polished. It's hard for me to determine if some are "lightly cleaned" mainly because I haven't compared ones yet, all I know is that a lot seem a bit washed out in color and I have a hard time believing a Lincoln in VG is "red" by color alone. Anyways, let's get on with the question. Do you guys believe this 1914-D is real? I couldn't find any of the tell tail signs. Only things that throw me off are the date / mm seems thick and the reverse is F-VF while the obverse is VG-F. I am also posting the 31-S for anyone interested. Thanks in advance for your input!
The 3 in the 31 S looks a little funny to me. But you're right about the 14 D, looks totally messed up. Probably a genuine coin, most likely not a genuine 14D. That's just my opinion, I don't know much about Lincoln's. Hopefully someone chimes in who does.
Totally agree with Lance. If I were you I'd contact the seller and get my money back ASAP, if possible. Seller still has 100% feedback...so I don't think it was intentional...but that 14-d is beyond any sort of appearance of being genuine. The 3 in the 1931 looks VERY strange to me too...and without the 1909s and 1909s VDB you have a set of extremely worn problem coins that could probably be bought for less than $50 any day of the week... Just my two cents!
Is there any way I can get access to images of the 6 different die pairings for the obverse? I am finding images of certified 1914-D coins with the "smushed" date / mintmark. Looking at the mint mark under a loupe, it definitely has the "triangle" shape (though flattened a little bit). I would think if it were added then the date wouldn't be smashed / thick as well as the mm? I completely respect everyone's opinion, however this might be a lesson that I'll have to learn on my own by sending it into PCGS (I have 8 free grades coming to me). I'm positive that it's been cleaned but it's still worth it as long as it's not counterfeit.
I am not even looking at the date. The wheat grain is wrong. The lettering in UNITED is wrong. The surface of the coin is wrong.
I've not handled enough 31-S to say either way, but the 14-D is definitely fake, so seriously.. don't bother submitting. What you should do is contact the seller and/or file a dispute. Maybe the seller knew or maybe they did not, but under no circumstances should you be left holding the bag on this one. No offense, but there probably is good reason why you were the only bidder on the set. Try to get your money back and use this as a learning experience. P.S. You eight "free" grades are not really free, so no reason to waste one on this.
I don't disagree that the surface is wrong, I believe the coin was cleaned. The color isn't nearly as washed out in hand. I believe the flash has attributed to that. Here are a couple of HA auction coins that I think the date / mintmark closely (not exact of course) resembles. Still not claiming that it is 100% real coin, but I don't know if it is as clear cut fake (either that or I don't want to believe it ) http://images.ha.com/lf?set=path[8/6/4/2/8642477]&call=url[file:product.chain] http://images.ha.com/lf?set=path[8/5/7/9/8579939]&call=url[file:product.chain] The one I have is a bit thicker, but isn't it possible that it was smashed under something somehow? I dunno... just trying to justify sending it in I suppose.
Ultimately, I think you guys are probably right. I just wish you weren't Thanks for setting me straight.
I guess the thing I'm having the most issue with is that I can't seem to find an example like this one ANYWHERE that matches the thickness of the date / mm. Whether real or fake. I also can't seem to find a "thick date fake" for any coin type.