This 1972 DDO Lincoln cent was graded MS65 RD by PCGS. Presumably the damage to the obverse had to have occurred before the coin was slabbed. How can a coin with such major flaws be graded MS65?
That is a correct statement. The mint will be changing the design in 2009, prices are starting to go up. Rhubarb
By that comment I suppose you mean that if technical grading had been used that the coin would not have been graded as MS65 - is that correct ? Then I would ask if you have forgotten that scratches and the like are not considered when using technical grading ? No, this has nothing to do with market grading - it a mistake plain and simple. The coin is over-graded that's all.
You must not look at a lot of PCGS graded RD Lincolns. I've seen worse. That said, if the "damage" you are referring to is the discolored areas, then there is a good chance that the coin changed in the holder (and this is part of the reason I am VERY wary of purchasing high-dollar RD copper)...Mike
Still, I wouldn't mind having a coin like that in my collection. But yeah, either that happened after being slabbed, or just really overgraded. But I would say this is a classical example of buy the coin, not the slab, right? Phoenix
Mike: Look at the field in front of Abe's face. It looks like scratch marks. Plus that seems to be wear on his shoulder.
I can't be sure about the scratch marks, but I am virtually certain (or as certain as one can be in viewing only a photo) the discolored areas are toning not wear. If it were wear, I'd expect to see it on Lincoln's cheek and the rims too, yet it isn't. Also, my experience is that mint red often "mellows" (i.e. tones) into the color seen on the areas you mention...Mike
The area in front of the forehead may be toning, but looks like it is associated with scratches. The shoulder area looks like it was rubbed on something and the spot behind the shoulder, perhaps was touched by a fingertip or something that left a residue and caused toning. Anyway, I don't think it's very attractive and for the money I'll wait for a better example to come along. thanks for all your opinions.
You're right; I haven't seen a lot of PCGS-graded red Lincolns, but I have noticed a lot of variability in the eye appeal of identically PCGS-graded coins. I've noticed that a high percentage of the coins offered as "Buy Now" on Heritage have no picture available. I suspect that's the reason. I won't buy anything I can't see first.
