While reading through the November "Coins" magazine I saw something that seems odd. Most of the Nov. issue is devoted to the Lincoln cent. On page 16 writer Tom Lamarre says " A 1959-D wheat cent exists, but opinions differ as to whether it is genuine. Someday it may turn out to be the most valuable cent in a series that has been a collector favorite for nearly a century". So my question is, has anyone ever seen or heard of a 1959-D cent with a wheat back?
Here's some info on it: http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cents/lincoln_cents/wheat_ear_cents/1959d_one_cent_wheat_ears.htm
Michael Fahey of ANACS could " find no evidence" the coin was counterfeit. Frank Gasparro, Cheif Engraver of the US MInt at the time, stated that " no test pieces were made using a 1959 obv. and a 1958 rev die". JP Martin, Chief authenticator of the ANA could find no evidence it was a counterfeit, but his "gut instinct is the coin is not genuine". David Halls ( PCGS ) opinion is: " The 1959-S Wheat Reverse Cent is not a US Mint product. We feel it was made from fabricated dies, prpbably spark erosion. " Jim Brown, forensic lab authenticator, US Treasury Dept. has examined the coin microscopically and found nothing to suggest it was a counterfeit, and it is the opinion of the US Treasury Dept. Forensic Service Division the coin is genuine. All quotes above from The Authoritave Referance on Lincoln Cents, John Wexler and Kevin Flynn edit: 1959-D, not S
How do you ever know that ? You don't rather obviously - unless you took the pictures. The coin exist - that much is a given. Whether it is genuine or not is anyone's guess.
Not long ago many people said there was no such thing as a 1943 Copper cent. Now there are many. Same with the Aluminum cent, 42 steel cent, etc. Eventually I suspect there will be more found of the 59's With a Wheat back and that wil be that.
