Hello, I was wondering if anyone could discuss the differences betwwen the 1909 VDB cent and the 1909 VDB cent Matte Proof, I have a coin I was told was a PROOF 1909 VDB Cent which came from a reliable source, it looks to me like a regular 1909 VDB cent, accept under 50x magnification the proof has a grainy finish and i can actually see little flakes of copper and I can see sort of a grain in the finish. I was so currious that i purchased a 1909 VDB in MS65 just to do a comparison and I can really see no difference without magnification. Does anyone have any clues for me?
My reference states that a matte finish proof coin would have a wire rim were a business stike has a chamfered rim. The wire rim should have square corners and be fairly concentric around the coins axis. The rim should be broad and flat with sharp inner and outer edges. A wire rim should be evident on the obverse as well as the rev. unlike chamfered rims of a business strike. There should be a very small cresent-shaped die chip locaed on the rev to the right of the "M" of UNUM. There was only one die pair used to manufacture all 420 specimens with the matte finish.
thank you so much, with that information i was able to confirm, and i was surprised there is only 420, i was thinking there was alot more.
Congrats if you have one, this is about THE most difficult Lincoln to obtain. If you do have one, you should get it certified....it's too rare not to.
