Hi everyone, I found this looking through a box of old wheats. The details are great (in my opinion) for being a 1914, and the finish just looks... different to me. The coin is dark in a way and definitely has a different finish than what I have seen before. I know the mint numbers on these is really low (~1400), but I'm still hopeful. Here is a video with the coin. It has a certain shine to it that doesn't translate well in the video. I compared it to a standard wheat penny too just to get a look at the finishes. Thanks in advance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK5hYukYY6M
Wow, beautiful detail on that wheatie. Is it a proof? I will let the experts on the matter comment on that. Wingedliberty will certainly be able to tell you. I do know, that the proofs will have more of a flat edge on the rim, as opposed to the rounded edge. Here is one of Wings for comparison: from his website.
I'll say IMO that it is not .In the future ,If you have the slightest thought that a coin may be a proof though you should not handle it the way you were. Take more care in touching only the rims & do it over a soft area . It is a nice looking coin though , good luck.
I would say no,it's not an MPL. Yours is certainly well struck however. The rims on your 1914 have a slight roundness, not the straight edge of an MPL.