I've fixed the situation with buying this, however, any input on validity of coin is still appreciated
It seems to have a lack of details & grainy appearance, possibly chi-made. Is that what this coin was?
I'm almost positive this is a cast fake. The portrait doesn't look right at all. The patina is not consistent with the wear. I think I've seen one of these before, red flags are poppin for me. Where's the reverse? When you post a coin, always post the reverse please.
first I will beg to differ. At first I thought it was a fake to however after I compared it to others, I believe it is real. On the flip side it may have been soaked to long or cleaned horribly.
According to diagnostics described on Ebay, "Upper Left Obverse Field: Scattered raised granules in the upper left field of the obverse are fakes. Most likely, these raised granules are the result of spark erosion dies." http://reviews.ebay.com/Clues-to-1931-S-Lincoln-Cent-Counterfeits_W0QQugidZ10000000002086158 To me, after enlarging that picture, it looks like the "Aleutian Islands" are connecting Lincoln's head with the "I" in "IN", and there seem to be a couple of granules below those as well, including one above the "T" in LIBERTY.
wow, thanks guys for all the replies at such a late hour. this is the reverse. i think in my rush (error 1) to finish my set i bought first and thought later. this is off of ebay (error 2). i noticed after bidding the Top-Rated Seller had 3 old negative feedbacks for fakes.. i see that he regularly purchases coins from another China ebayer who sells COPIES. i won this auction but im not paying. hope it doesn't ruin feedback. i just need to slow down and be smart. Im always learning
Now that I see the reverse, it is a fake. Look at those wheat tips. I would strongly suggest do not just not pay. At the very least you need to talk to eBay and explain to them. However, my guess is you should pay for it, receive it and file a complaint that it is a counterfeit. You will get your money back and you may get the seller removed. eBay guarantees your are protected. All you can lose is some time.
That coin looks all kinds of wrong to me. I don't like the overall look, I don't like the 3, I don't like the mint mark and the reverse is just wrong.
After seeing the reverse, this coin screams counterfeit. Those wheat tips and the mushyness on the design are just not right. The obverse looked alright despite a few problems but they really messed up on the reverse.
Reverse wheat tips, yup, I've seen this exact same fake before. Heck, the color was even the same! Carbon - Put a picture of a genuine 31-S next to this and compare them. You'll quickly see the portrait isn't right, it's far too soft. Most 31-S's have great strikes, the ones that do not don't look anything like this coin. Also note the bow tie, not even close to how it should look.
Maybe it would best to just email the seller and let him know you have doubts about the authenticity of the coin. See what he says...
i did (after the auction) and actually read that the 31-s had a weaker strike? i did notice the weakness of the obverse, the wheat tips, and the 'bubbling' on the reverse from a badly polished die?
Thanks for everyone's input, i owe you all one. i threatened to file a complaint with eBay that he was selling counterfeit coins if he did not cancel the transaction and remove me from all responsibility of paying for it. He gladly accepted. Im still in the market for a 31-s though.. how much does mild cleaning or 'spots removed' affect price? i've seen a couple of these in holders marked this. they are cheaper
According to Lange's Lincoln Cents, "Most [31-S's] have less than perfect strikes." I have also noted that most 31-S obverses are mushy strikes.
On further examination, it seems that the above diagnostic was based on a description in Breen's encyclopedia, which in turn cited ANACS for the information. The coin pictured in the original picture seems to me to exhibit random granules in the upper left obverse field, especially when the photo is enlarged.
Just buy a slabbed coin, it costs a little more but its better spending a little more money than losing alot of money. Unless you know how to spot a fake pretty well. Buying a slabbed one you don't have to worry about getting burned on a fake one. That's one nice 31-S, EyeEatWheaties.
