1916 Lincoln Wheat Cent - Prooflike Toned Coin

Just getting back to reading the replies. I do the cooking around here and people were hungry!

First, thanks for the kind words and great comments. Honestly I just picked this up on ebay last Saturday for $17 including shipping. I liked it for the price and a friend of mine collects toned wheats so figured that at worst he'd give me that much for it and all would be good. But it had just enough characteristics of a proof that I thought, well, it's almost impossible but maybe. And after getting it in hand it is in much higher grade than I expected.

So, guessing I should send it in to PCGS and let them grade it for whatever they determine it to be. Can't really lose as it'll be a high grade toner at the very least.

But while I see a few minor die markers listed in the copied text above, is there a page dedicated to the die markers for this year? If there were only two die pairs I would expect this to be out there somewhere an in great detail.

I can see about taking more detailed images, but would really like to have some die markers to go after if I'm going to do that rather than just random close ups of things.

Again, thanks everyone, it is appreciated.

Good news TB, it was at least struck with proof dies. It was struck with proof pairing #1 or PRObv-001 and PRRev-001. There is an easy way to tell. The first coin #430 is the second die pair used and is the first trueview link. Pay attention to the obverse die alignment. Now check the second trueview link, that misalignment look familier? As far as I can find no BS coins were made with pair #1. I can confirm this easily if you would humor me. Can I get a closeup of 1916, specifically the '9', as well as the word TRUST and the letters US of trust? I'm chechking the die scratches. The first scratch in trust isn't strong on later die state examples. But the marker in the 9 is. Also, 1916 matte proofs were known for less sharp rims, reference the second trueview link.

Well all die markers match, I have side by sides if you want them. It appears to be an unlisted stage, I'll call Stage C die markers are there, just very weak. Regardless it is made using proof dies, and a known die mating. Based on the strike itself being slightly of lower quality and lacking traditional square rims, I think this is a matte proof. Even if not, it deserves a slab, but I do think you have one.

Now wouldn't that just be cool squared! Yes, please do send along the side-by-sides as I am interested in seeing those as well. Just love to hear that you are seeing the markers, as that is pretty key to the whole thing.

So the next question is, which TPG does best with possible matte proofs? Certainly want to run it by the best folks for such a thing, but likely it'll end up getting sent to the specialist either way no matter who I send it to.

(I see Jimbucks beat me to the question!)

The 1916 coins all showed the strongest dev a designs. The Mercury dime has the strongest design compared with other years . The cent as well has the strongest design compared with other years why? I don't know unless it was for the unveiling of the new designs oh the Dimes, halves and Quarters that year? But with the die wear on this example I feel it is a business strike coin.

Anxiously await the opinion of the TPG.

Neat coin.

Thank you for sharing. Please post results when you can.

Maybe take it to a coin shows and see if one of the grading companies have a table there?

Matte Proof:

Man-o-man those are some gorgeous Buff's. Thanks for sharing all those in one thread.