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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;illini420, post: 1479080, member: 19423&quot;]It is true that some matte proofs can easily be confused with a really nice circulation strike.&nbsp; The similar appearance between them made them quite unpopular at the time as collectors were used to the traditional proofs w/ mirrored surfaces.&nbsp; That said, once you see enough matte proofs in hand, you can usually spot them out as they do have a different look to them, especially in higher grades.&nbsp; When going off of a photo, or when dealing with a lower graded example, there are various diagnostics to look for to know it&#039;s a proof and not a business strike.</p><p><br /></p><p>For the 1909, there are several die polish lines in the obverse field just off of Lincoln&#039;s nose that are on nearly all 1909 matte proofs.&nbsp; There is also a die line that runs perpendicular to Lincoln&#039;s shoulder that runs a little more than halfway to the ER of LIBERTY.&nbsp; Other years of matte proofs have other things to look for.&nbsp; Of course, unless the photos are taken just right, these can be hard to see in a photo.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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