1916-S Lincoln Cent - look ok to you?

I sent this coin in for grading a week or so ago. Although I debated submitting it. My first thought was MS64, my second thought was "burnished." (But why would someone burnish a 16-S??- not a rare date, although less common than most). It's solid dark chocolate but more lustrous than most coins that have turned this color. The surfaces are also a little odd, like a matte in nature, which may be typical for an early date wheat cents. IDK, but I wanted to know and learn, so I sent it in. To me it's either a problem coin or a MS64 BN. Trying to stretch my skills in dealing with Lincolns. In the end, it's a cheap lesson. The coin was part of a set, which I've already made my money back on, so I'm only into it the economy grading fee and shipping. What do you think?

 

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In my opinion (disclaimer about hating to judge from photos must be assumed), I see a rock solid MS65BN at first glance, more likely higher than lower. That is an unbelievably strong strike. Look at the "O" in ONE. Weak "O"'s are commonly seen. That puppy is STRONG. Absence of ticks, strong strike, residual luster. 66 is not out of the question.

 

I don't know the haloing effect on certain areas of the coin is odd and the colors look similar to cents I've seen dipped in MS70. If it looks exactly as pictured I wouldn't be surprised with it getting details or perhaps they'll call it environmental damage as some of the spots on the reverse especially under the wheat stalk seem suspect imo.

 

Amazing how strike quality went in the toilet shortly after this year. "Hey, we no longer do proofs, so who cares?" Depending on what the rest of the set was (other 1916-S coins?), this says "presentation piece" to me.

 

Looks like its been snake oiled, should be a fun coin to learn on.

(On yer dime, that is)

 

Actually, that's one of the aspects I liked. The darkish haloing on the reverse perfectly matches the inverted Lincoln bust.

 

Coppers aren't my strong suit, like you John I am learning more and more....I saw a beautiful 1916 matte finished Lincoln Sunday at the show. It was raw...the coin was spotless ,knock dead gorgeous. Priced a little over a$100. The first thing that entered my head why isn't it graded?
Your specimen is well struck ,and dark.... but again gives me the feeling something is a miss. Nice eye appealing coin....but ?

Another case in point this weekend at the show ,in fact Jerry and I talked about this [proof] proof like seated half....squared rims graded by PCGS unc.polished.
This coin no doupt was a proof or MS struck on proof dies. The devices were frosted naturally ,and in a detail slab.

 

I know this is "a thing" in recent years, in much of the country. It still smacks me upside the head every time I read it, though. It simply does not apply where I am. Finding top coins raw is no big deal. It happens literally every day in central Pennsylvania.

 

Tremendous hair. But I agree with heavycam, it looks oily.

 

... and that type of boid gets da woim.

 

I have seen a many nice specimens not in plastic, simply because they were in a collection and its owner passed on .Now back in circulation so to speak in the hobby. But again nice coin but I question wheher it hasn't been messed with.

And understand i like the look if available I be tempted to pull the trigger, depending on price and the chance it may or may not been messed with.
And will also add.....John if you're truly in the holiday spirt ....you have my address

 

Results are in. PCGS MS64 BN.

 

Wait, it took THIS LONG?!?!?!? It's enough to keep me from even THINKING about doing business with PCGS for another two years.

 

Economy order. Received December 7. Delivered today.

 

Unacceptable.

 

64??? In other words, down graded for its surfaces. The more i learn about PCGS grading standards the more i prefer NGC.

 

Within the past year, I had dropped off an NGC "Economy" order at a show and before I got home, it had shipped from FLORIDA! The show was NOT in Florida. The registered mail took another 8 days.

 

But PCGS gives higher grades on Lincoln's than NGC... at least in my last few submissions..

 

I know a VERY august cent specialist who would not only dispute that, he MAY slap you.

 

You should see my post about the 20-S 21-S and 23-S.