Fellow cointalkers, lend me your eyes. Is this a matte proof or matte spoof? I am viewing this coin with a pair of inexperienced and biased eyes. And often times biased eyes see things that aren't there. So can you give me some feedback as to if this 1910 Lincoln Cent is a matte proof? -LTB The black and white die marker indicator photo is courtesy of "Counterfeit Detection - A Reprint From The Numismatist"
You have to be real careful about these early matte proof coins, subtle nuances sometimes is the only thing separating a matte proof from a early die state business strike or a worn proof die used to produce business strikes. I'm torn between this one, Lincoln's hair has all the trade marks of a poof strike yet the kernels in the wheat stalks are not quite proof quality. The rims on this one does not tell a lot nor do the die markers. This maybe a case of side by side comparison to be sure...but like they say, two strikes and your out...I can see one strike, are there two. Now, I will let a more knowledgeable collector reply. Got it started, hope someone closes it for you. Edit: sp
I sure wish your photos would enlarge. You had me going there with the B&W photo. It is the exact same photo as one in my guide to MPLs (reprint by ANA from The Numismatist). I was looking for die polish and sure enough there was the die polish line from the M in UNUM. But alas it was not a photo of YOUR coin. I hate to burst your bubble the line on your coin - although very close - is not an exact match to the die polish line shown in the photo. The die polish line on the genuine 1910 MPL starts at the inside corner of the bottom of the left leg of the M. The line on your coin appears to start at the outside corner of the same leg. That's about all I need to see but it would be nice to be able to look for some die polish lines in 'WE' in the obverse motto.
Even if it is a Matte Proof, and I'm not so sure it is, I sure wouldn't buy it. The coin looks to have been harshly cleaned. Pass !
I'm pretty torn with this one...I even compared my 1910 MPL to it (In a PCGS slab). Parts of it have MPL characteristics and parts of it don't. I would pass if I were you, it is hard to spot MPL's.
I'm thinking this is not an MPL. The best way is to check the diagnostic for the reverse die scratch below the M in UNUM. Even business strikes will have die scratches around the M, but only MPL's will have it located where the scratch is shown in these images of the 3 1910 MPL's.
Do you own this coin? Personally, based on the pictures, especially the rim edge picture, I'm inclined to say it's authentic. The die markers are great indicators but as I recall there were 2 or 3 1909 MPL's discovered that were missing the traditional markers. After reading that long thread some time ago, who's to say the 1910 can't have an exception too....I dunno anymore. Also, given the pictures, it's tough to make out the markers. I think you'll need some big guns like Snow to look at this in hand to positively determine authenticity.....just MHO.
Thanks for all the opinions so far gents! At least I don't feel so bad for not knowing being able to conclusively say if this is a matte proof or not; I have no experience whatsoever with them. Although many of you experts don't have the advantage of viewing this in hand like I do, and could probably tell right away if this was indeed matte proof or not. Unfortunately, I'm not that good So far the consensus is leaning towards not a matte proof, but I'm hopeful some more experts will chime in. Doug, I used axial lighting to capture the colors, what are you seeing that indicates a harsh cleaning? Outside of the fingerprint that's etched into the surface and the few nicks and dings here and there it's a solid lustrous coin that appears to be problem-free. So please, do tell... -LTB
Robec, do ALL 1910 matte proofs in varying die states have this die marker? If so, then as Hobo said, my die marker is on the "outside" leg of the M and not the inside like the matte proof. -LTB
Hey BT, Yes, I own this coin. It's definitely tough to determine if this is the real deal or not. Even the TPGs have a difficult time making a determination. I may take your advice and have a specialist view this in hand to make a determination. BTW, I received the Verdi-Care but haven't had a chance to use it yet; probably tonight. Thanks again bud! -LTB
In hand, there's no doubt that it is a fingerprint. It shows up clear as day when viewing it at an angle. -LTB
I've never heard of any 1910 mattes without this diagnostic, but only mattes have it. I hope it is a matte, but there is no way to come to a definite conclusion based soley on images. Someone will need to see it in hand.
Personally, I wouldn't even trust the TPG's with this coin, they will error on the side of caution if they're not sure. You need at least two MPL experts to examine it in hand and, if genuine, make sure you get it in writting. Once authenticated and documented, then I'd send it to PCGS for slabbing with copies of the expert opinion letters to make sure it's properly attributed. Hope you find the VC useful bro!
