Back to the authenticity idea, I don't like the prominent rim on the obverse. I'd look at other 1914-D on eBay, concentrating on the rims. Personally I don't think it's genuine, and I agree with the folks wondering why it's not graded and why the Seller didn't have it graded before trying to sell such an expensive piece. Are the ATE (in States) slightly doubled, or is that simply an image problem?
Can you see the bottom of the bust well enough to make out if there is a little something there that shouldn't be (on this date/mint)?
Thanks. I don't trust my eyes as much as I used to, but it sure looked looks like "something" is there, and it's in the right location as well. Regardless of any other valid questions, this, if there, would place the final nail into the coffin.
I had the same thought...but the more I look at it, the more I think I see that same thing along the whole bottom of the bust. I think it's the same mottled surface that the whole coin has.
My opinion: The date and mint mark look fine. There is a large scratch into the coin at 11 O'clock. I see nothing on the coin to indicate it is counterfeit. The coin is not whizzed. While the reverse looks natural, the granular surface of the obverse and lack of microscopic flow lines is due to an altered surface. It may have been "pickled" or lightly "sandblasted" to hide a slight amount of friction, remove discoloration, or...on this AU coin. Leave this one for another "lucky" buyer.
It does not appear to have the main diagnostic of the die crack on the base of Lincoln to the rim. Unless I just can see it. But normally, in that condition the die crack is very prominent
Sometimes you have difficulty seeing the die crack on lower grades or due to crud but the die crack is the main diagnostic I look for to verify it is genuine.
The obverse surface looks exactly like the old electrotype counterfeits but I would expect the reverse to look the same. I would like a look at the third side before making an opinion. Is anyone even making electrotype counterfeits anymore?
The input is much appreciated. Thank you. This is another fine example of how, contrary to what is sometimes claimed here, photos are not an absolute substitute for in-hand viewing.
Note: The die break you refer to is only ON ONE DIE. There are three others without it. Most whizzing leaves "lines" into the surface and changes its color much more than this.
Laugh if you must, but it's a legitimate term of art. Actually, save some laughter for the name of the chemical bath it uses: "pickle liquor".
None taken...apparently, there is a lot of drinking going on around here both coffee and other things.