Grading For Show Acquisition 1909 Lincoln

Hi Steve and Trdhrdr,

I am sure the gentleman would honor a refund if asked for reasons. The only reason I would even consider it would be if the coin is not a genuine Lincoln Cent, MS of PF. I would not ask if it came back AT, Damaged surfaces, etc. I feel that is the responsibility of myself to determine when I first looked at it as I am sure he had to when he first bought it. I know the TPGs often find problems that few of us see.




No, I might buy him a piece of pie at the next show , but at that price he wanted to sell and I wanted to buy. At the time, I felt it would grade in the 63/64 range myself, and raw prices were close to price I paid. This is not the same for ebay type of purchase. In the past year I have bought 4 "1917 DDO" Lincolns that were returned the next day as they were not such. In hand I would have not purchased them in the first place. When I purchase at a show, I expect return options to be very limited, so I carry all of my reference materials, lights, scale , calipers, magnifiers in the truck, and know I have to make a call on it myself.

I realize many would not follow my reasoning and I respect their decisions.

I really didn't expect to raise such a fuss, I was primarily interested in the grading expertise on the forum.

Jim

Fair enough.

Don't worry about the "fuss." I find the coin and the story to be interesting. Thank you for sharing the details. :)

I guess what I write is not always clear. I agreed with your original statement, & with most of this one also. It's all part of the game when you are cherry picking, or buying coins for less than market price.

Thanks desertgem for helping educate all of us. I admire your attitude and willingness to stand by your purchase.

I don't own any matte proofs but actively collect Lincoln's and someday may be in your position at a coin show. This thread has helped me look at things a bit differently.

By all accounts, Lincoln matte proof diagnostics are a tough nut to crack. Q. David Bowers even says he wouldn't buy a matte proof unless it was certified by a leading grading service! Hey - You rolled the dice and may come out a winner! Somebody has to win the PowerBall!

Good Luck.