MS or AU? 1916-D Wheat Cent

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Mr. Numismatist, Mar 23, 2026 at 10:00 PM.

  1. Mr. Numismatist

    Mr. Numismatist Strawberry Token Enthusiast

    I was doing guess the grade on MyCollect to sharpen my grading skills and I came across the coin below. I guessed it was AU-58, but turns out it was graded MS-64. It really looks worn to me on Lincoln's beard and cheek. What do you think?

    1916-D Cent.jpg
     
    Mr. Numismatist, Mar 23, 2026 at 10:00 PM
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  3. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    I am a little more lenient than you on this one. I am a 58 on this one. The luster is still full just a little dull. That cheek and jaw is just the strike. Luster is even for the coin.
     
    Pickin and Grinin, Mar 23, 2026 at 11:19 PM
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  4. Mr.Q

    Mr.Q Well-Known Member

    Gauge on E and N in CENT, slight gauge on nose, scratches in field on both sides. Otherwise, mid to high AU in my opinion, nice coin thanks for sharing.
     
    Mr.Q, Mar 23, 2026 at 11:48 PM
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  5. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    AU to me but a very nice looking coin.
     
    Collecting Nut, Mar 24, 2026 at 12:04 AM
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  6. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic numismatist Moderator

    I can see why one would go Choice AU on that one (I probably would have, myself), but I suppose there's an issue of soft strike there that the TPG took into account, maybe?

    That, or it was a Monday morning and the graders hadn't had their coffee yet.

    It's a good looking coin, regardless.
     
    lordmarcovan, Mar 24, 2026 at 2:16 AM
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  7. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Right on the border of AU58- MS60. Really sharp Lincoln cent! ;)
     
    SensibleSal66, Mar 24, 2026 at 3:43 AM
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  8. Long Beard

    Long Beard Well-Known Member

    I feel they got it right. The reverse wheat stalks are the primary reason, the obverse seems a bit weak (later die strike) but also within an MS64BN grade.
     
    Long Beard, Mar 24, 2026 at 7:45 AM
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  9. Spark1951

    Spark1951 Accomplishment, not Activity

    We may never know why it got a MS64, but late die strike or no it appears to be AU58. Both sides look slightly worn.

    One other thing I see is a multitude of micro contact marks on both sides, which to me points at either slight circulation or mishandling.
     
    Spark1951, Mar 24, 2026 at 12:19 PM
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  10. robec

    robec Junior Member

    I’d have to go AU.
     
    robec, Mar 25, 2026 at 11:14 PM
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