I purchased this coin a few months ago. Since learning so much about Lincolns in these forums, I have been trying to determine if this one had been cleaned or dipped. Any opinions? Oh, I am going to my first coin show tomorrow or Sunday and will take my list and a couple of loupes and search as many coins as I can in a few hours. Sure hope I find something I really need. jeankay
Hard to tell from pics, but I suspect it has been recolored, and just has a not natural look to it. I have learned not to trust internet pics, ( especially my laptop, which I am on now) but my gut tells me yes, cleaned and recolored. Has a "whizzy" look. Take it around to some pros you can trust......in hand in person., EDIT: I just noticed the 2x2 is yellowed also, making any judgement a crapshoot. Is that luster or abrasion pattern? I can't tell to be honest from those pics. Take it around tommorow, and we'll pray for good news !!
Thanks for the input on this 1917 Lincoln. I use a dime flip to snuggly hold the cents so I do not have to handle them much. The flip is white, but a bit worn from all the poses I have put it through. This coin is going with me to the coin show and I will approach someone who is not the coin dealer I go to and ask them what they think about it. Thanks again. jeankay
Kind of hard to tell for sure, but from what I can make out, I think the observe is original, but the back has been cleaned. I see nothing untoward on the observe, but the depths of the wheats and crannies around the lettering all look to be the darkest spots on the reverse. If so, that is a sure sign of cleaning.
I think it has been cleaned. The ones who see it in hand should be able to see the detail, and collor better, and tell you yes or no. Speedy
1917 Lincoln Thanks again all of you nice cointalkers. I had my suspicions about this one cent when I acquired it. Everything I learn that helps me be more knowledgeable about this crazy coin collecting from all of you and other forum folks, and the books, and the pros who happen to pop in now and then to help out... is worth a lot to me and my knowledge bank. I will go bravely into the darkness of my first coin show and hope I will be able to see the light and find some coins that will be perfect for my album. jeankay
1917 Lincoln update Showed the coin to a dealer at the coin show today and he agreed that it has been cleaned. He also said it is beginning to retone and will probably be okay in a few years. I am not disappointed about the cleaning problem, as the coin has a very crisp strike, and is otherwise in very nice condition. The cent will remain in my album until I can actually afford a really nice replacement. jeankay
The dealer was wrong. Once cleaned - always cleaned. Yes, toning may help to cover it up to a certain degree but an experienced eye will always be able to detect the cleaning. But if you are happy with the coin that is all that matters.
Thanks Mr. Admin. Your tag line is perfect... knowledge... share it. I appreciate all the help I can get. Sometimes I am a bit disappointed about what I am told, but it is all part of the learning process. And, I will not give up the battle because I know the right coin is out there and I will find it! jeankay