I found this coin while searching a jar today. It is a 1988 Lincoln Cent, but I noticed that it has a VERY weak FG on the reverse. Does anybody know if this is a real variety or if it is minor? Still just trying to figure out what is wrong:
This is just a guess, but you can see horizontal scratches from where the die had been polished. It may be that the initials were polished out. If not that, it may be the result of a grease-filled die. Chris
And like the 72 & 82 Kennedy's, if there is even a slight trace of the initials, it doesn't carry much, if any, premium. Chris
I agree with Chris, an overly polished die wiped out most of the initials. But you can still see them. No premium in my opinion.
In my opinion, there is no such thing as a missing initials coin. The design is on the master die tranfered on down. The initials are part of the die. they get polished off when several die clashes/polishings happen. I see no real value for them. I put them in the same category as the three legged buffalo, and the missing D on the 1922 cent. They were just polished off. Missing they bring big bucks. I just don't fall for that hype. Give me an EDS coin any day. At least the original beauty is still there. But that is just my opinion.
