Hi Coin talk, Just found this looking though my wheat cents and found this. Do you think that it is proof?
What makes you think that it is? The shine? It doesn't have squared rims. I'm no early-Lincoln-proof expert, but even I'm confident that this one is a "no".
Definitely not a matte proof. Compare with one of mine Note the rims. The strike of MPLs are different than any other business strike. The surfaces are free from marks. Your coin appears to have something on it.
It is a lot different when I hold it in my hands, it might just be that I got low grade pictures. The surface is real smooth.
I figured that real shellac is organic, but it may take some time, to get it off. Lather, rinse, repeat. It's too nice a coin, if this can be conserved inexpensively.
Not a chance. All VDB proofs have the dot between the D and B in the center. Yours is nearer to the D. We won't even mention the rounded rims on your coin.
Rubbing alcohol will remove the old organic 'lac bug lacquer, I would try a touch on a q-tip on the edge and if it softens and adheres to cotton fibers, you can soak it entirely in alcohol. If not it is synthetic and needs lacquer thinner ( mostly toluene from) hardware store,try on a q-tip and if it still doesn't come off , it is very commercial epoxy and it is staying until wear removes it. IMO, Jim
The surface on a matte proof ISN'T real smooth, it's textured. (Of course to a lesser extent the surfaces on a MS 1909 Lincoln are textured too. The coin wasn't designed to have smooth fields.)
I forget the name but there is a small brown bottle with a liquid designed for Cents. You gently use your fingers and lightly rub the cent then pat dry. It leaves a sheen to protect the cent. No lasting residue, just a shine. It was very popular years ago but not so much today. I suspect yours has been treated as such.
You're right. I haven't used Blue Ribbon in several years. I guess the brown I remember was the liquid not the bottle. I don't know about care.
CARE was a similar product that came in a brown glass bottle. It was a little "thicker" than blue ribbon and many EACers liked it better (I only have a little left) But it has been out of production for a LONG time now. every now and then a bottle comes on the market. Tends to go for $200 or more a bottle. (There is another product call Coin CARE on the market, NOT the same thing.) I don't believe Blue Ribbon is manufactured anymore either. It has been replaced by a product called C.C.C. Classic Coin Conditioner. I've seen Blue Ribbon as high as $35 a bottle. (I'm sitting on six bottles or that, Bought them years ago when it was discontinued the first time.)
