I've been quietly working on a set of wheat cents, but I don't talk about it much. At FUN, I happened across this coin, sitting in a dealers case in an old ANACS slab. My whole set is raw, so I'm not sure how long its going to stay in that slab..... but that's a decision for another day. I figured it might be fun to play a little GTG on this one. So give it a shot!
I am at a VF25. The lines in the wheat stalks are defined, the obverse has seen a little more wear. Lincolns ear is not quite defined enough to make it to 30.
For the sake of comparison, this is my XF45 1914-D. This would be the top of the spectrum in which his poll goes.
GRADE REVEAL Good guesses everyone! ANACS called this one a VF-20. In hand, its dark and attractive, perfectly original. There is more separation on the cheek and jaw than these images show (my lights weren't at quite the right angle). However, as @robec showed in his post, the wheat ears on mine have a bit more wear than a 30. This is a solid 20 in my opinion, and most of you guessed 20 within an increment.
There is a lack of definition in the cheekbones which would typically prevent a VF grade, but there is sufficient detail elsewhere that makes me think it was a slightly weak strike. VF-20 is reasonable
I will say, I would keep it in the holder (you've been collecting a lot longer than me so take my advice as a grain of salt). The reason is it provides more protection for the coin. However, if you do bust it out, post pics. Lol
