The bad news is my AU cents collections has been cut down to one third the size. The good news Im getting better (and/or more confident) at grading. The other good news is I have a lot of nice VF+/XF cents now
So, the Lincoln cents you thought were AU, you judge to beVF+/XF now? I'm guessing that means that your ability at grading has gotten better. I'm with you there. I also have gotten a little better, I think, with grading copper. Some of mine are higher than I thought, too. Using that "Making the Grade" book has helped, along with ANA grading standards. Lots of good online resources. I like this one: http://www.lincolncentresource.com/Lincoln_Cent_Grading_Guide.html
I was too hung up on details, instead of looking at it overall, particularly the fields. I learned that not all coins will or can grade. You might have AU details on most, if not all of the devices, but if the fields show signs of alot of wear,nicks, etc.... then it will not grade AU.
This is very good news actually - it shows progress as a collector. When we buy coins, we tend to over-value and over-grade what we own. Realizing that our precious treasures might not be quite AU, and being honest with ourselves to realize that they are in fact only EF, is a big step.
