Hey Folks, I don't do much in the area of Lincoln cents. A while back I received a group of Lincolns, most definitely AT'ed. So I was just sorting through some old images and when I saw this particular one, it really stood out. I cannot find one other Lincoln in my images that has the detail this one does. Maybe I am nuts, but check out the beard and cheekbone on this guy. Is that what really defines a great Lincoln strike?
Its a good strike, but I think you will find definition of "awesome strike" will vary based upon year/mm. Basically it varied quite a bit, and what is a good strike for a 1911s will not be a good strike for a 1958d. The coin is a lot more attractive with a nice high relief strike, though, no? I am liking coins from the 60's more just because I appreciate their strike versus today's coins.
Thanks for the reply Chris. I know a good strike, especially for certain years, when it comes to Jeffersons, but that's about it. I just couldn't seem to find anything close to this one in Lincolns. Too bad the coin is ruined too. You mention the 60's compared to the modern strikes, I know exactly what you mean. I really notice a difference in Kennedy's. The 60's and 70's seem to have so much more depth to them. It is glaringly obvious when looking through my album. Was there something that changed in the minting process in general? I see the same thing with nickels. Stock image, but the difference is noticeable.
They basically used new computer engravin capabilities to remove almost all relief from coinage but still keep details. They did it to remove costs, but to me made the coins look like comic book versions of their previous selves. Want to see something really sad? Pull out a nice 64 quarter and compare to what is in your pocket. The washington bust looks pretty decent in high relief, more like daffy duck today.
Oh wow, that makes sense now. Thanks for the info Chris. Good to know I have not crazy. What a shame though. I agree they do like like comic book versions.
I am going to pick the Lincoln strike" G"+Chris. I learned this as kid. 1946 all the regular mint worker were back from WWII. They mix copper with a extra amount of brass with carbon burn in to the brass.1946-1955-P-D-S with a Good strike will turn to so many different colors, when they tone its very hard to find 2 that are alike. Experts claim its the carbon from gun power that was burned in to the brass adding a new toning factor to the copper in 1946-55 Wheat cents + some say 1946-58 G a great looking 1953-D!!!
Thanks Jello! I do know for a fact, this was artificial toned. I confronted the seller, and he told me exactly why they toned like this.
I have to say for a 1953 that this is an extraordinary strike. I think the 50's were generally softer rounder design. I looked at a bunch of MS67 1953-D Lincolns Cents on eBay right now ( including 1 in the David Lawrence auctions ) & yours appears to be better struck than all of them !
Yes! That is what I mean! Here are some more from the same group. Nothing even comes close. Look at this mushy strike. eek:
