My 1981-S Lincoln Can It Be A Toned-Proof ?

I picked this up through change at a local store and in really great condition. It stood out so upon a good going over first thought it was a proof, then the color stood out. So, the question is, can this be a proof Lincoln that is now becoming a toned coin ? Need the experts to come out and weigh in. Need further pictures let me know. Thanks.

 

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The rims appear fairly sharp. Can you give us a photo of the edge?

Chris

 

You want it like this or straight side view ?

 

The rim is what you're showing here. The edge is the 3rd side of the coin.

Chris

 

Trust me I'm no photo bug.....

 

Am I missing something, Chris? As far as I know, all S-mint cents from 1975 onward are proofs. And yes, this one's definitely toning, unless that's a foreign substance stuck to it.

 

It is hard to say what caused the toning, It could have happened in the mint packaging, Something may have spilt on it?
If it were me I would give it a soak in acetone, and rinse it with some distilled water. There are some areas on the obverse, and the area above the memorial that look a little crusty.

 

How long in the acetone Pickin and Grinin ?

 

I usually don't do more than a minute. I have read here that no matter how long you soak it, acetone will not harm the coin.
Although there are certain factors, acetone removes organic matter, and it may show damage that we cant see from your photo.
The toning may change or turn splotchy, in the areas that have Gunk, or it may show some pitting.

I would wait before attempting a soak, others here are better at seeing possible problem coins.

Can you get a close up of the MM. I would like to see if it is a type 1 or type 2

 

Does this help any or am I too close ? I've been doing some reading I believe it's type II .

 

I don't collect Lincolns so you're probably right. For me, not knowing about them, the edge view would have helped make up my mind.

Chris

 

But should a Lincoln be soaked in acetone and if so for how long ?

 

Altered surfaces proof. I doubt acetone will do anything but you can try

 

I'll give it a try for a couple minutes, then rinse with the water and take another picture to post.

 

Which I think there was ...........

 

OK after a ten minute soak this is what we've got. Thoughts ?

 

Here I have back out some to show the proof is there.

 

Pretty evident that there was a foreign substance on the coin, there seems to be some subtle color changes, and some loss of tone.

The inner circles on a type 2 will have a round look instead of ovals,

 

I took a short video of it trying to figure how to upload to here.

 

I'd leave it alone. 1981-S proof found in circulation is a keeper.