What's Your Preference/Choice On The Flaws Of Lincoln Cents?

I agree with Chris 100%!

I'm torn between 3 & 4; it would depend on eye appeal. If the cleaning were noticeable and the coin screamed "I'm cleaned!" I would go with the XF.

The 3rd coin could be in the top two choices depending on how it was cleaned, some of them look dull and light (like they were cleaned in Coke) and the color is way off. I did an experiment on a coin I cleaned, I left it in the window sill for a week or so and it actually toned pretty quickly to normal looking. If you can not tell it has been cleaned and the color is representative of a normal cent than go for that one. Like I said earlier, I think the beauty of the cent is all in the eye of the beholder.

Sorry ,,seems like I always stand out in a crowd .And its not always because of the Black Leather Bikers jacket !

I would not want any of them from the descriptions given . wear is one thing but rim hits and focal area dings and scratches are not something I could or would live with .

I would save for another month and buy a problem free EF or AU example of the coin or save for another few months and buy a nice mint state example .

From all view points the better the coin the better the money is spent .

Metalman

Cleaned coins are my last choice, if I make that choice at all. And methinks/meguesses that, when theyre revalued, cleaning will, once again, be a factor that is usually only acceptable to other "cleaned coin" buyers.

Besides, in a collection/series, you'll know it's cleaned amongst none other and it may nag at you like that nail you saw way up on the eaves while painting that you "shoulda" reset but didnt, no?

My opinion is stay away from Harlan J. Berk completely. I used to work in the area of that place and passed by or went in at least once a week since it became that. Used to be a coin dealer much better there. Every coin is overpriced and most have been cleaned. Rude, non-caring cliental. No flexibility in prices. No interest in local coin shows.
That coin is almost always available at coin shows for much less in better condition. As already noted unless that coin is color wise like a brand new coin, I'd avoid it. 31S is way to common in high grades and for much less cost.
Again, I would avoid that place. Just my opinion based on many, many, many years around them.

Never argue with a guy in a black leather jacket.
Jim