While going through several rolls of Lincolns tonight, I just happened upon a GORGEOUS 1919 D (I believe...the mint mark looks a little hinky if it IS a mintmark). Please believe me when I tell you that the picture I attached does not do this coin justice...it is a beautiful reddish-brown...more red than brown. It still has a lot of lustre to it. Easily the nicest specimen I've seen of that age in common rolls. I'd have to get into the 60s before there would be a coin of comparable condition (in MY collection, that is). Look at the picture and you'll see why I want to blubber like my 3 year old being denied ice cream!!!
On the other hand, it probably wouldn't be in the condition its in if someone hadn't decided to use it as a piece of jewelry. In other words, only in avoiding normal coin circulation did it retain its beautiful look. My guess is that somebody was born in 1919 and received it as a gift and eventually it got back into circulation.
I suppose that's true. Still sux though. It'll fill a hole in my album until I find another 1919D, then I suppose I'll shine it up and put it on my own keychain. Booth...heh heh...I shoulda seen that one coming like Omar Sharif to the water hole.
