This cent is not for everyone

I really love this thing. I don't know why...I guess because it is so full of problems and yet is still very attractive.

Look at the mess. I don't believe that the obverse rim at 7k is from a planchet problem. I think it is the prelude to a very large cud. That part of the die was just about to break away.

Interesting die crack at Lincoln's temple too. A die crack in the recessed device, wow. Another few on his lapel too.

Then there's the uber-cool die chip in the date. And what's that on the lapel near the rim at 5:30? Another chip? Kinda symmetrical and clean, like a dropped letter. Not sure.

The surface is excessively frosty from die wear. Brilliant luster. Lettering struck up well but Lincoln's shirt and vest are worn to very poor detail. Almost looks like a rusty die.

The reverse is not as interesting. You can see that die was not in great shape (check out the wheat straw, especially the left).

If anyone has other thoughts or ideas, please share them!

Now, what grade did it earn at PCGS? Guesses?
Lance.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Since this is an as mint made state, I see it as an MS66RD. I've seen all sorts of coins with weak strikes and deteriorated dies getting MS65 and up grades. This looks better than most of those.

 

What a beauty

 

I think it is a beauty as well.. I'm no good at grades for these but will say ms65RB

 

I love the field on the obverse. Makes me want to start collecting circ. Lincolns! Grade? I´ll guess MS63... mainly going on what I have seen other coins with similar wear and dings get.

 

Genuine.

Can't have too many awesome high grade Lincolns running around out there now. Can we?

:goofer:



Nice, shiney coin. No idea what PCGS does to copper these days.

 

Looks like Lincoln has a vein popping out! lol
Nice coin!

 

No more grade guesses? No one guessed it yet.
Lance.

 

OK, since nobody has guessed it yet, I'll go with my first instinct and say 67.

 

I think it's an inbetween a 66-67. That is a very sharp looking coin and wouldnt be surprised if it got a 67..I will take that from you if you like

 

I'll say 64 RD!

A wonderful piece, worthy of any collection!

 

Love, I'm going to try to find pictures of a similar 50's cent I have. It's an amazing coin with all kinds of issues like this one, it also has the extreme, frosty luster....the eye appeal is amazing.

PCSG loves luster and I can tell this coin is just glimmering with it: MS-67RD

 

The coin looks nice to my eye - I say 66RD. Not sure how to balance the soft strike versus luster. I know luster rules in the RLM threads, but these pictures are much better(sorry RLM) and I might be reading more into the coin than before.

 

Found it, please excuse the pictures, they were from my early days of coin photography. The luster is unreal, this coin is glowing and it has a light, thin reddish toning layer (I'm sure you know what I mean Lance). The 9 in the date has an eyeball in the loop complete with a pupil. LIBERTY has a die crack from B to E, the head has a die crack and a lamination. I can't find the reverse pics!

 

That's 100% positively what that is. It would be AWESOME if you could find the matching cud coin to that crack. Check out this 1943 set I found:

 

BadThad that '55-S has the look, alright. Gorgeous! I hope you still own it. And those steelies...how cool to have the pair!

It's interesting how the best luster comes from used dies. Early strikes are much different.

The grade PCGS assigned is 67RD and CAC stickered it. The TPG's are always impressed by luster. The problem with big images is they tend to exaggerate the smallest ills and you can lose overall perspective.

Congrats to those who guessed right or came very close.
Lance.

 

Wow, congratulations.. I really do like it.. Guess I have problems with the RD and the RD/BN combo when it comes to figuring the color...

 

Yea, I still own it. Never sent it in, I have no guts. Didn't want to chance ending up with with a $20 coin in a PCGS slab....I hate that. LOL

 

Nice Lincolns fellas. 1 question. What does CAC stand for?

 

Thad, the '55-S is not a tough coin. Even at 67RD there are plenty, which is why it's valued low.

Still, it's a beauty. I might chance it. Have you given it a good hard look?

Pacecar, CAC is a 4th party grading firm, run by the renowned John Albanese. Much to the disapproval of the PCGS and NGC, John assesses their work. If a coin is solid for their grade, he stickers it and makes a pledge to buy it. If it is toward the low-end of the grade, the coin doesn't earn his blessing/sticker. The flaw in the process is you never know when a non-stickered coin hasn't been tested or simply failed. You only know about approvals.

It's a silly game that seems to matter to a lot of collectors and influences purchases and price.
Lance.