I seen a number of 2003-S Proof Lincolns being sold as a "fading or disappearing 3". Curious, I came across a proof set (among others) and when I looked directly at the penny, I would agree the 3 is a very weak strike and is only visible if you tilt the coin up or down...hence the term faded or disappearing I guess. The 200 part of 2003 did not exhibit this fading or disappearing...only the number 3 . Not all proof sets I went through exhibited this, but I have seen some 2003-S proof Lincolns that have a very, very weak strike for a proof coin. Is this all smoke & mirrors, or is this something credible? Some tell me that this should be an error due to the high quality control proof coins are subjected to and others have told that it is just wishful thinking by a few. What do you think?
I have seen this also. The commotion is all about filled dies. This is such a common occurrence on circulating coins that no attention is given for the most part. Proofs usually come in a little better condition as the dies are often polished on a regular basis. Better care is given to the planchets, strike pressures, handling, and packaging. I have recommended to our customers that they do fall for this hype. Same goes for the error paper inserts that went out with the silver proof sets. If extra money is going to be spent on a coin, it should be based on the coin. A filled die, is not an error, or a mistake. It is just part of the production run.
