If you read this page, https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1964-1c-sms-rd/3284 don't just read it, but create a checklist, or bullet items to check against. for instance ... "SMS Lincoln cents is characterized by a nice, smooth, satin-like finish. The fields are usually well struck, very clean and tend to come without any major nicks or scratches. The edges for most 1964 SMS coins also tend to be square and sharp. The bust and legends are usually highly detailed and sharp on most examples, especially when compared to circulation strike coins. The surfaces are non-reflective compared to proof coins of the era, yet, are not the same finish as regular issue coins from the same year" you can create a list such as: nice, smooth, satin-like finish The fields are usually well struck, very clean and tend to come without any major nicks or scratches. edges for most 1964 SMS coins also tend to be square and sharp bust and legends are usually highly detailed and sharp surfaces are non-reflective compared to proof coins of the era are not the same finish as regular issue coins from the same year The best methods for comparison here is not photos. But you need to buy yourself a set of various cents in that era. Proof, high grade circulated, etc. satin cents, etc for comparison and learning. You may even want to BUY an SMS cent for direct comparison. but questions back to you ... ==> do you know what a satin like finish is? If not, then BUY some certified cents that do have satin like finish listed on the label for comparison ==> "well struck" here we are talking about coins struck with a NEW DIE from a new Master Die for the well struck aspect of it. You can BUY coins that are very well struck. This requires knowledge of Die States, etc. ==> "square and sharp edges" here you may want to compare it to PROOF cents of that year. You may have to BUY some Proofs for direct comparisons .. don't compare using pictures. but that coin isn't SMS. you have to remember, all 1964 cents look nearly virtually identical. Except for very minute detail changes for the 3 different types - SMS, Proof, Circulated. Thus the checklist, but then you have to know how to use the checklist/knowledge of those details. If you search SMS on CT, you'll find a bunch of postings from ppl about if they have an SMS coin. Usually they are fed disinformation from YouTube or click bait websites ... so members here get tired and direct about it. There are articles out there that mention that maybe there are some still out there and other articles that state that ALL the SMS coins were authenticated/slabbed. And of course the clickbait stuff makes ppl believe you can find it in your pocket change each and every day.
The primary thing you have to remember is that coins are made of metal. What if your car had no paint on it. What would happen? It would rust? coins have no paint on them to protect the metal, thus they "corrode" in relation to the air contaminents; ground/dug out of the ground or what not; blood, sweat and tears dripped on them; exposure to soda pop acid in cup holders; etc. Then you have to consider how much exposure has it had to circulation? Maybe it was put in a jar a long time ago and wasn't circulated as much until someone found dad's coin jar and started spending it. The "color" isn't relevant for comparison until you get to certain color grades. But then the color is based upon the above information. of course someone could polish it just with their fingers and toothpaste and make it all shiny brass color too from a dark grundgy color... you just never know.
So one last question please. These Are what I meant by scratches in the picture. I think their really called die markers, I not positive. Now this penny I've got appears to have those. It shows them in one or two of my pictures. Now should I pay any mind to those or does it necessarily mean anything? Thanks again.
your pictures are not clear enough to see those die markers. AND ... it doesn't even meet the checklist I listed above. die markers are specific things that are created from the die, and not from circulation. And they have to be *exact*, not "kinda, close, kinda looks like it" scenarios.
I just now read all that info you sent me. You guys are great. Going thru this is how I learn. This and a few costly mistakes. I paid a small fortune to get a damaged quarter graded. Barely worth 25cents. But they sent it back all polished in a PCGS holder. Trying not to make those mistakes again. Thanks again
Most members on CT would love to see a new member make a valuable find and would be celebrating along with them. The unfortunate reality is that valuable finds are a rare occurrence which is something that the YouTube "get rich from pocket change" hacks conveniently forget to mention
So I agree with everything you guys have told me. What still confuses me as I have had this problem with other coins is when for instance it points out the die markers and They appear to be on the coin but it turns out not to be the one. If you blow up this picture can you not interpret these die markers as the same. You have to sort thru all the lines but they appear to be there. Or just a coincidence? The one between the t and the e. The deep one off the lower left corner of the E.
There's also the one comming off directly below the E. They all no matter how faint appear to be in the right location. Like I said I've had this problem before.
If you believe that every die marker EXACTLY matches the few certified examples and you believe that you have pulled an example from circulation that had previously only been found in a mint director's estate, then your only option is to spend $50-$75 and send it to a major grading company. IMO you would be better off spending the money on books, but if you think you beat the lotto odds and found the first one in circulation, go for it
Come on guys, I know you know what your talking about. And you have no idea how much I respect that. It'd take more than a life time and I'm getting a. Really late start. But pennies have become like an addiction. So I will try not to bug you too much. But seriously, I really believe you, really, But can you please take one last look at what I"m talking about, am I seeing things or does it appear to have them as a coincidence so as an amateur it was ok to be mislead. Or is it all in my mind? Whatever you say I will go with. I promise..
