I think this 1909 VDB I bought is a Proof!

After going over this coin top to bottom for the last two days. Studying all the die characteristics of the coin, comparing it to others. Making some phone calls to some top lincoln experts. I think I have a 1909 VDB proof on my hands! I will be sending it in for grading. It has every die characteristic other proofs I have been looking at. If this is indeed what I think it is, it is going to be a wonderful christmas present to myself!!! Wish me Luck everyone!

 

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Wish you luck but i don't see it in the images.

 

You can't see the die polish lines but they are there, the toning makes it hard to see. will try and get better pictures. You should be able to see the die chip next to the M on the reverse.

 

Regardless that is one fine looking coin. Only 420 proofs exist...is that right?

 

Yes correct

 

BTW, here is mine (MS 60)

 

id give that more than a MS60- id say thats a MS62BN

 

Might be a little better For now?

 

with those squared rims, I would agree.

I presume that you cherry picked the piece?

 

$60 :d

 

"I think this 1909 VDB I bought is a Proof!"

Unfortunately, I don't. The strike is not sharp enough, nor is are the rims wide and square enough, and the proof dies were used to strike coins for circulation. If you submit the coin to PCGS, I predict the coin will come back as an altered surfaces business struck coin, and I hope that I'm wrong and do wish you the best of luck.

 

I think I can prove you are correct without submitting the coin. Marauderrt10, just where is the middle dot in V.D.B.? Specifically, I mean the one after the "D".

 

From what I see the dot after the D is right up against the D. That's the wrong place for the proofs.

 

cant really tell from the pics, will let you know when i get home

And proof dies were not used for business striking.

 

I really hope it is a proof. I love it when I hear stories of awesome cherry picks! Either way, really nice cent there.

 

Looks prooflike.
If it isn't a proof it will at least get BU or above.

btw, awesome toning.

 

You are seeing what I am seeing.

 

I don't think its a proof, I just don't see it. All MPL's I've seen had real strong and sharp strike in the hair lines. This one is a little mushy. I think what you have there is a very good business strike.

 

I saw Brian suggest something similar in the thread ATS (although he was less authoritative than you are above). However, that doesn't explain Tom's coin, which is clearly a business strike, yet has some of the same reverse features of your coin (including the small omega shaped mark to the right of M). Perhaps it's a feature on the master die?

It is also worth noting that Brian said your coin was not a MPL.

Good luck with your submission, and please let us know what happens. Regardless of my opinion above, I hope I'm wrong and you have the cherrypick of the year.

 

I wasnt meaning to be authorative. I have taken what brian has said with great respect, me and him were talking thru PMs for about an hour or so.