You know, it's not often that I will completely forget about finding a Proof 1970 S Small Date Lincoln in an original set for $6: But that just happened. Why? Because as I was checking out the other sets I bought, I noticed something I hadn't seen before on a proof Lincoln Cent: I saw what looked like scratches on old Abe's beard, and there was something different about his bow tie. I turned the coin over and noticed some unfamiliar lines on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. I have to be honest, I'd never seen this on a proof Lincoln before. So, I asked my friend Google. If I am correct, this is the ODV-028, paired with the RDV-008. Variety Vista describes it as "Very Rare" (it's in RED colored font!) While I'm not sure of a value for the coin, or a more precise approximate value, I am pretty sure it's the -028/-008 combo. What do you think? Do you agree with me? Disagree? Have some more information to share? I did my best to take some good photos - which is different from other threads I've found on this variety. There are pictures - so it DID happen.
I think you have a winner, & it's extremely rare according to CONECA. I don't know if this helps or is new info, but CONECA has pics of the 2. OBV: http://varietyvista.com/Lincoln Cent ODV Changes.htm REV: http://varietyvista.com/Lincoln Cent RDV Changes.htm I don't know the value, but the combo is red (EX RARE). Congrats!
Jay, For as many 1971 S Proof Lincoln Cents I've gone through, I don't think I've ever seen one with the re-engraving that sticks out this clearly. I have a couple more that have maybe one or two distinct lines...at the right angle, I can see EVERY line on the jawline. I did check out the VarietyVista site. It was helpful for the obverse, but I thought the reverse photo was a bit ambiguous. I figured I'd 'ask around' and see if anyone else had heard of this die marriage and/or owned one and/or had seen one sold. Obviously rare doesn't always mean expensive...but if it's anywhere near what the Washington Quarter re-engraved dies go for, I'm a very, very happy camper.
So, I wasn't planning on my first post to be about a Lincoln cent, but this thread came up in a search about something unrelated, and I happened to have this 1971-S pop out of a bin this afternoon. As the bin I was unpacking had nothing coin-related in it, I'm assuming that.... it's pure coincidence LOL. Still, have a look and let me know what you think.