1914-D Lincoln Cent Authentication Problem

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Sunflower_Coins, Jan 22, 2022.

  1. Sunflower_Coins

    Sunflower_Coins Importer and Exporter

    I recently had this 1914-D come into my possession. Despite owning more expensive coins this is my first time delving into the world of raw 14-Ds. The "skin" of the coin looks original for most cents I've seen from the teens. Nothing strikes me as off about the strike or date. However, I am having some trouble with the mintmark.


    1914-D 1C.jpg


    Nothing really strikes me out of the ordinary, it has the same color has the cent. I'm just having a hard time finding the right mint location in junction with the known ones. My research produced six known locations, all of which are in relatively close position. The bowl of the D seems to slant away from the date, but not heavily enough to distinguish it from some of the other mint positions. (sorry about the fuzz, I didn't notice it until I was back on my computer)


    1914-D Date.jpg


    Top that off with F wear and it has become difficult for me to authenticate it, even overlaying this collage in Photoshop. It seems close but not close enough to any of them.


    1914-D D1.jpg


    Is there anything here that strikes someone as an added 'D'? Or am I worrying too much over a ~$200 cent?
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2022
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  3. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    It looks to me like the bottom left MM placement of your collage.
     
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  4. Steven Shaw

    Steven Shaw Well-Known Member

    Looks good to me
     
  5. Sunflower_Coins

    Sunflower_Coins Importer and Exporter

    That was my initial reaction but overlaying them in Photoshop has #4 trending further right than mine. Going off of mintmark shape I prefer #1. On position I think it sits better with #3.
     
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  6. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    The mint marks were hand stamped on to the coins in 1914. No two will be identical but they will be close. The bottom left mint mark looks close to me. The coin and the mint mark look good to me.
     
  7. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    I hear ya, gotta figure the wear and flattening of the devices, too me nothing stands out as an added MM.
     
  8. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor

    Of course , photos will never take the place of a good stereo microscope. The triangular discoloration on the top on the top of the D does bother me as I know the craftsmanship of some in the past was excellent. If my situation, I would send it off to ICG first to see what insider thought. he has a good eye and experience to give an opinion, or maybe he will pop in @Insider . Jim
     
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  9. Southernman189

    Southernman189 Well-Known Member

    I looked at mine then yours, Yours looks GOOD to me.
     
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  10. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    You should think about that. They were hand punched into the die.
     
  11. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    That’s what I meant so thanks and I’ll be quite now. Tough day for me.
     
  12. tommyc03

    tommyc03 Senior Member

    Hope your day goes better but it's "quiet" (before @paddyman98 steps in. :D
     
  13. Mountain Man

    Mountain Man Well-Known Member

    Looks good to me too. If it was added, they did a darned good job.
     
  14. Mac McDonald

    Mac McDonald Well-Known Member

    Looks legit. If not, it's the finest/cleanest job...without other evidence of adding/forging...that I've ever seen. You should be good.
     
  15. Millard

    Millard Coindog

    hope it works out for you. nice coin.
     
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  16. Insider

    Insider Talent on loan from...

    :oops::sorry: It just gets tougher...:D

    Collecting Nut, posted: "...No two will be identical [unless on a coin struck from the same die] but they will be close."

    "The coin and the mint mark look good to me."

    I agree, the center of the "D" is the correct shape.
     
  17. Jack D. Young

    Jack D. Young Well-Known Member

  18. Southernman189

    Southernman189 Well-Known Member

    Every fake I have seen (3) has a dark shadow around the mintmark showing chemical reaction to the glue I am guessing. Yours has nothing of that nature.
     
    Sunflower_Coins likes this.
  19. Sunflower_Coins

    Sunflower_Coins Importer and Exporter

    Thanks for the input everyone!
     
  20. Millard

    Millard Coindog

  21. Mr.Q

    Mr.Q Well-Known Member

    Okay, I'm late but I like it too. Thanks
     
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