1909 VDB Lincoln Grading Question

When it comes to cleaning coins, the general consensus is usually don't. You dont need to worry about corrosion as long as you keep it protected in a holder.

As for your coin's grade, it looks like a slider between AU/MS, I'm leaning towards AU-58 but others may have different opinions.

Those are some incredibly strong and square rims though, can you check for a small die chip right after the M in "UNUM"?

This picture is a little better. Having trouble getting them below 300.

Just making sure it's not a matte proof, it was unlikely, but worth a check

If it had one, you'd have had a very special coin on your hands!

Adam_E, I have done some research since you have informed me about the Matte Proof Set and I wish I could take better pictures. The die chip to the right of the "M" is the hardest for me to pick up. Some time I can glimpse it at a certain angle with just the right light, but getting a picture of it is even harder. The two lines are present in front on Lincoln's nose however they are abbreviated in comparison to ones I seen in my research. The abbreviated lines are in the outer range apposed to being longer and closer to the nose. There is one that I can catch in picture if I hold my breath just right. It does also go through Lincoln's nose. This list below also appears to match my 1909 VDB.

* indicating hard to see with my loop.

OBV-3: Right side of the "N" of "IN GOD" is even or slightly thick, as opposed to thin which can be found on many business strikes.*
OBV-4: "WE" is always the even type and NEVER is found having the high "W" of "WE".
OBV-5: "R" of "TRUST" has a very large upper loop.
REV-2: upper space of "E" of "E.PLUR" is filled.(Partially on mine)
REV-3: upper inside left corner of the letter "N" is filled of "UNITED".*(Partially on mine)
REV-4: V.D.B.........(a) left side of "V" curves slightly outward. (b) definite slant to the middle of "B". (c) first dot is high, second and third dots are even and lower than the first dot.

So if this is a Matte Coin. What will I need to do next?

I was able to use my loop to capture the Die Polish Lines.

ETA: Is it normal to only be able to catch the Die Polish Lines at certain angles? There are tough to find and photo.



The Polish Line in the "C" in Cent.


My poor attempt at capturing the outer edge.

If it has polishing lines, remember that they would be raised, try putting very shallow light on it, the lines should cast a bigger shadow and be easier to see.

It could just be a very well struck business strike, but the rims are exceptionally strong.

IMO its still incredibly unlikely just due to how few were minted, try not to convince yourself something is there when it might not be, pariodoilia might be a factor here

Adam_E, that's the only way I'm finding the polish lines. I use a low powered LED at different angles until they come to life. Then I snap the pictures.

Thank you and everyone else for the help. I will not be waxing it. Thanks for the great information.

Will I be wasting my time if I start another thread in the differrant Forum?

Very interesting! Agree with SilverDollar above