Well, unless I dont understand this post fully, it simply was stored in better conditions and therefore retained all of its mint luster and red color.
I dont know why I didn't think of that! It does have the texture and luster of other matte proofs I have seen...
There are a few people who are aces when it comes to wheat cents, off the top of my head penny lady and badthat come to mind, they are pretty reputable and might be inclined to give an expert opine on your coin. Me I am as raw when it comes to coins as a two minute steak
I think that it has been cleaned or polished, and is not a MATT PROOF coin. When you look at the coins' surface it doesn't have the metal flow lines, or the grainy sand look of a Matt proof, and even the face of Lincoln has the same condition as the flat surface. That's the way I see it.
I believe Coinguy56 owns and knows about matte proofs as well. As for value, I dont know if they are too rare, but they go for alot of money. Depends on your definition of rare.
Yes, matte proof's are quite rare and in high demand. The 1909 - is about average for a matte proof. Try reading this thread http://www.cointalk.com/t66862/ However, what you have is not a matte proof. The rims are not square enough to be a proof.
I had a choice to buy 1909 matte proof, or a 1909s for the same price. I chose the 1909s. I wish I had known more about coins then (1961), I would have acquired the matte proof coin. I have only seen a few after that.
