Both sides of this coin have a streaky appearance. Is this a natural effect or is it possibly due to attempted cleaning? The scan makes the reverse look like it is scratched or bumpy, but under direct vision with a loupe it doesn't look that way. The effect, whatever it is is limited to the patina on the coin. Is this the so-called "woodgrain effect"? If so, does it detract from the value of the coin? Estimates of grade are welcome.
I don't know if the woodgrain effect devalues a coin or not, but I have a few examples (mostly Lincolns) that are pretty cool.
MS-60 cleaned (I'm not certain it has been cleaned but when in doubt I say "cleaned"...that's what ANACS does)
Read this article by David Lange from NGC. http://www.ngccoin.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?NewsletterNewsArticleID=278
I dont believe the "woodgrain effect" will take away from the value of a coin as it is a form of natural toning. Its just a matter if you like that particular type of toning. Personally, I dont care for the woodgrain toning.
I cannot tell if it has been cleaned or not (my monitor, not your anything), but that is a woodgrain effect. It is very common in the early Lincolns. Sometimes it is streaky, sometimes blotchy.
Thanks, very much for the information. I'm trying to decide whether to keep it or not. It looks pretty good with the naked eye. Much better than the scans show.
If the coin was mine I'd certainly keep it. But, of course, you could always post it in the open forum or have a contest....
The link you gave me told me that the effect is a sign of authenticity so that makes it more interesting.
Mint State not cleaned as far as I can tell. The Davis Lange book is priceless and a must for anyone interested in the Lincoln series. Whats fun with the woodgrain Lincolns, and yes they are common, is to buiild a small "set" of them if you like them or can afford it. I have many up to and including a PCGS MS-64 RB 1920. It's a matter of taste. In my opinion, it's just interesting, but 1 or 2 oddballs sure can throw off the appearance of a well matched set.
The so-called "Woodgrain effect" is actually an improper mix of the composition of the planchet's metal! This is very common with many Lincoln Cents from 1909 through the 40's and is even seen on quite a few 1950's specimens. Yes, this effect does detract from the value of some Lincoln Cents and Indian Cents...especially the Semi-Key and Key Date Lincolns! I have owned several 1914-D Lincoln Cents and a few 1908-S Indian Cents with this improper mix and they were extremely hard to sell. In fact, literally hundreds of Collectors were interested in the coins but turned them down due to the effect! Frank
The woodgrain effect doesn't necessarily decrease the value, but in this coin's case it does detract from its eye appeal due to the uneven nature. The carbon spots are also problematic. IMHO, you should pass on this coin and wait for a better example -- this is not a rare coin and a better example shouldn't be difficult to locate. Respectfully sumbmitted...Mike
According to David Lange's article, this type of planchet is mainly seen with early date S-mint Lincolns and is evidence that the coin really came from the San Francisco mint.
Here's the woodgrain effect in a 1909-S that's graded MS63 BN by PCGS. I find this much more distracting than on my example, but this coin is being offered at a much higher price than the one I have.
That PCGS graded coin looks awful. There's some funky residue on the reverse too. PCGS probably should have body bagged it. Your 1909S definately looks nicer than that piece.
