1914-D Grading & Authentication

I'd say it's a F15. Maybe an VF20. Then again something similar may only grade F12. An F-15 is what I would sign off on.... With great eye appeal (I'm fussy about rim damage and spotting).

The authenticity is tricky. It has the look of a real one - the lack of shoulder VDB, the date and mintmark style, the wear consistency, and an overall rightness. But it's so darn hard to tell with the newer off-shore copies...

I completely understand your desiring a non-slabbed example - but only if you KNOW it's authentic. I bought an ANACS VG-8 (clean, with good eye appeal) from a dealer/store in New Jersey last december in order to obtain an authentic example. But I wanted it in my Dansco slot, along with the rest of the set.

I almost unslabbed it about 10 times but always failed to act due to authenticity concerns. When I found a 1914D in circulation (in G6 cond) recently, the best part for me was: 1) the need to NOT have to unslab my ANACS example, and 2) knowing the one I found was real. And 3) being able to verify my ANACS version.

BTW, having a real one to compare one is VERY helpful. (I mean being able to compare to a dealer's - not go and buy another! The trouble is a dealer might suspect you of trying to pull some slight-of-hand if they don't know you well. So that's tough to do, too!) I'm even more sure about the ANACS one after comparing it to the foundling. They both just have an identical (condition aside) look and feel.

But unfortunately, I can't give you simple confirmation on yours.

Your pictured example is really nice, tho!

SilentAsian, with your closeup pictures the mint mark and the coin looks real to me..

"the 1914D cent is one of the most heavily market graded coins in ALL United States issues. I have seen nearly slick examples get F12 grade."

coppercoins, I certainly respect you as a SME in the area of lincoln cents (and their grading). My question is: is this due to strike quality issues with the 14D? Or some issue within the marketplace?

Based on the updated pictures I don't believe the coin to be authentic. The MM looks added.

Thad, I am curious as well. I need to learn all I can on this one. What specifically are you seeing? The MM looks okay to me, but I would still prefer a better photo (or better yet, the coin in hand, as is how I always purchase them).

Very good and thank you.

This is good stuff. Does anyone else have an opinion?

Thank you guys, for your inputs. There seemed to be alot more interests for this coin than the other two..... I appreciate all the comments. Thank you Charles for explaining about the aspect of Market Grade for this coin. Thank you BadThad and biokemist6 for your inputs.

Well, I've bought this coin from a seller on ebay that I considered very trust-able. All of his coins are very conservatively graded. He has over 5000 feedback since 2001 and only 3 neutral for the 12 months period:
Feedback Ratings 1 month 6 months 12 months
Positive 290 999 1550
Neutral 0 0 3
Negative 0 0 0

Since with the questions raised regarding the mintmark AND the market grade prospect, I am planning to send this in PCGS. Have anyone had similar scenario and PCGS body bag the coin? Like I've stated, I want to put it in the album and no need to waste $18+ unless I have to.

18 bucks well spent