I saw this listing http://cgi.ebay.com/1911-LINCOLN-1c-SEGS-PR62-MATTE-PROOF-EOB_W0QQitemZ8431610854QQihZ021QQcategoryZ39456QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem and have been trying to research it this morning with no specific references. Breen and a couple of others say that especially for the 1909, 1914 and 1915 matte proof lincolns, the mint did some special accomodations for important people, which I assume this might be interpreted. But how did SEGS know if it was mint done, or done after the fact? Does anyone have any information on this type of coin? I have a couple of early matte proof lincolns and am interested in any reference or personal source. Thanks.
It looks like it was almost struck on a wrong planchet....I'm pretty sure that the mint never silver plated a cent planchet so that might be something that was done and is damage to the coin...but SEGS went ahead and slabbed it. I don't know but that coin just doesn't look like...the front is larger than the back... Speedy
Well, I thought damage at first also, but the grade didn't seem right. The best info I could find , which was very little, indicated that the mint "might" have silver or gold plated some after the proof was struck but it would have to be before release or it would be an alteration( damage) in my book. Even if the mint "did" silver plate it before release, which seems unlikely as I have never heard of a silverplating area as part of the mint, how did SEGS differentiate the mint action versus a commercial silver plating after release. I know that the mint pulled some real odd stuff for their favorite customers, but I thought most all was in the striking/die part or like the matte or satin finishes on coins that were not suppose to have such finish, but never "plating". if it could be validated as a mint product, I think it may be unique, but until then I would think it damaged, graded or not graded.
I'm not sure that SEGS can be trusted alot anyway---I think they are the company that slabs fake coins and holders almost anything....I could be wrong but in the back of my mind this is who I thought it was. Speedy
That holder doesn't say anything about the plating being done at the mint, it just notes the damage to the coin. The same as any other SEGS holder would do for a damaged coin; it is given a grade based on it's state of preservation and then the damage is noted.
This coin looks like the scam of the week. The seller even states that it is almost impossible to verify. The mint does NOT plate coins. The mint doesn't even make their own planchets. STAY AWAY from this one. Why would anyone plate a proof coin in the first place, unless they were trying to fool someone into believing it was something it is not. You could offer a dollar
SEGS is 25% better than SGS - after all it has four letters in its name and the Aboncom scam only has three. I almost didn't recognize the site without the classic photo of Mr. Bluemoon himself studying a book.
I didn't pay much attention to the "star" on the far right of the holder which indicates it has a "problem" condition. See Cut and paste from SEGS website below. I really think problems should be "spelled" out for people who use TPG to try and get a proper coin ( JMHO), but I learned something new. It's hard to see a PR62 grade for a plated coin. (JMHO) from SEGS website "SEGS will encapsulate coins that have certain "problem" conditions and meet certain criteria as set forth by SEGS. These coins will be accompanied by our normal label and will be identifiable by a small star symbol located on the extreme mid right of the SEGS label accompanied by written descriptive of the coin's particular problem"
Without knowing what happened to the coin, it almost appears as if someone might have taken it to a jeweler or someone else to have the coin silver plated at one time. Maybe it was a birthday gift or something for someone born in 1911. But I don't know how it could have worn off and still rate better than an AU grade. I wish all TPGs would grade problem coins, but identify the problem on the label. I see no downside for the hobby in that sort of increased information for the hobbyist.
Three words of warning... #1 -- Blue Moon Coins is a scam artist. Go to the PCGS forums and do a search on their name if you don't believe me. #2 -- SEGS grading is a crapshoot. I would not believe that this coin is silver plated based upon their holder. #3 -- This coin is a problem coin -- as noted by the * on the holder. In case you hadn't realized, I would strongly suggest not buying this coin....Mike
I wonder if this is the same coin. This is the fourth time I have seen a 1911 silver plated proof cent. It seems to show up about evey five years.
