So, I have always loved the wheat backed Lincoln Cent since I was a small child. As a kid, I would get really excited when I found one in change. As I have started to re-think how I collect and focus on a small number of quality coins rather than a quantity model...one thing I realize I would really like to have is a choice example of a wheat cent. I'm thinking I'd prefer something pre-war (the older the better) but with a focus on strike quality. I'd prefer a more common date to keep cost down. Maybe one I can pick up in the mid MS60s and possible a RB example. I have heard some of the common Philly minted coins of the late 19-teens were well struck...but I don't know if that was true. I was hoping someone here with more Lincoln knowledge could provide some suggestions on a good date to look for. Most of my knowledge is with Morgan Dollars...so I guess what I'm asking for is what is the Lincoln Wheaties equivalent of a 1880-S Morgan?
1909 (first year of issue, freshest Master dies, of course) or 1916 are a good start. As I recall from BadThad, they introduced new Master dies for 1916 and some pretty sharp strikes can be found among them. It's been my (limited) experience that what you heard about pre-1920 strikes rings true. Of the bunch, I suspect the 1909's will be the best grade-price tradeoff as they were widely saved in Mint State.
1916 philly is my first choice, or 1915. I think it was 1915 they changed the hubs and gave more detail to Lincoln. I have a bit of an obsession with 1916 lincolns You really want to find an early one like these, with the grainy sand blasted surfaces. They are the best looking and well struck in the entire seires IMO
That is why it's my avatar. It was the one that started my 1916 obsession. Here it is at a different angle:
You guys are really making me drool!! I have a bit of an obsession for 1909 VDB Lincoln's, especially "Woodie" types. The thread https://www.cointalk.com/threads/got-wood.65353/ really started me on those. But if you look, you can find some great values on a Gem grade 1909 Red. I picked up this one which is a PCGS MS-65RD and just recently CAC'd for $50.00.
The new obverse hub was created in 1916, not 1915. And there were 4-5 times as many Philly 1916's minted compared to 1915. So you may have more luck finding a nice 1916. But all three mints produced decent 1915's. Here's a 1915-D I bought long ago on ebay. The auction had bad photos and I was thrilled when I saw it in hand. Sadly, when I turned it over I saw a large fingerprint. Lance.
Youre right it was 1916. I couldnt remember. Here's my 1915 which im sure people are tired of seeing but, easily a 65BN+
