I know that all 1966 Lincoln Cents were minted with no mint mark and that no Proof coins were minted. I also know that there were Special Mint Sets in 66. Now, to my question. I saw a penny in a 2×2 flip today at an Antique Mall. No one in the booth to answer a question. It is a 1966 and in absolute excellent condition. I would like to know how I would be able to tell if it is a Mint State business strike or if it is out of an SMS?
Paddyman98, You couldn't wait until someone showed up? This is a mall with unattended booths. The owner of the items was not in the building and the workers did not have any knowledge of the products. The 2×2 only had 1966 written on it. If no one here can answer the question, I guess I can ask somewhere else. I could possibly have asked the mall people to get the owner to contact me, but I am not sure the owner is going to know if it is business strike or Special Mint. Coins were only a very small portion of the booth items. RandyK
Hard to answer a question without being able to see the coin. Is it mint state? Has it been cleaned and it's just shiny? Who knows. If it was in a mint set, why take it out and put it in a 2x2? Here is a 1966 I pulled out of circulation. It's worth 1 cent.
Sorry that I don't have a better camera to take this photo. I understand that some SMS coins have cameo, and this one has none.
very few SMS coins from the mid 1960s have cameo contrast. This coin looks to be from a SMS IMHO. I hope that helps.
I am in the SMS camp, although 65 and above BS strikes are hard to discern from an average mid grade and lower end SMS strike. The steps in my opinion are the determining factor. Got a reverse photo?
I just bought a beautiful SMS 66 set. The set and especially the cent was worth the price. I will try and get some photos for you. What time does the antique shop open?
Well I bought the coin. Gloved up and carefully removed it from the 2x2. I'm of the opinion it is an SMS also now. I took photos of it, then put it in a new 2x2. Everything turned out to be much to do about nothing. It is not gradable in my opinion. What I saw as a blemish on the plastic, turned out to be on the field below the steps. I'll keep it in the collection, because it is a beautiful coin. Again I am sorry about the pictures. I just don't have the capability to take quality photos.
These coins need to be almost top pop for them to be worth the grading fees. You can use this site PCGS coin facts to help you get and Idea of your coin. It definitely looks SMS. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1966-1c-sms-rd/3293 At the top you will find BRWN, brwn and red, red cameo etc click on each for estimated values. Sold at auction
More than likely you'll never get an answer on a coin in an antique mall. Or from an antique dealer either. Unless they collect coins they have no idea.
Obv seems better than the rev. I am around MS 66. If the reverse was better MS 67. Still a nice coin, and if you like it, that's what matters. Probably difficult to find 1966 SMS coins, so there is that.