1912 Lincoln MS-64-65?

Hi Chrsb,
I'm not much of an authority on Lincolns but I'll throw out some ideas.

Color: looks red-brown to me.

Grade: as far as marks are concerned, it could easily make 64 and 65 is probably possible. The strike looks solid. Luster isn't very intense but this could just be due to lighting.

Comments: Abe's cheekbone and beard have a hint of discoloration at the highest points which could be due to light friction. Depending on the mood of the grader, that might be enough to prompt an AU-58 grade. I don't see any wear signs on the reverse.

The surfaces appear to be mostly original. However, the field around and above the date has an unusual pebbly texture and the pinkish color in this area is a bit odd. I just don't know whether this might be some kind of defect.

It's a beautiful cent anyway you look at it.

Jaobler,

Thank you for the comments, it does have a nice luster, I am trying out some different lighting setups to show the true cent. I think I am going to try the "shot through glass" technique. The more I look at it the more I am leaning toward 63-64 now. I am trying to put a grade on some of my new acquisitions so I can input them into my program. As I have been upgrading my collection the difference between a 64 and 65 are dramatic.

As to color on the cent, I was not trying for red, I have seen where PCGS would assign brown to colored cents (ie:not the typical red). I think this would go red brown. I will try and post some different pictures, thank you again for your opinion!