1914-D Grading & Authentication

If it's real, VF-20

F-12 to F-15 due to the ware on the obverse making the head very flat with little detail. There is weak hair and very flat cheak to jaw and partial ear. The reverse could go VF and the rims and surfaces look great. I think it would probably end up F-15 as the obverse usually determins the final outcome with Lincolns.

Thank you guys for your opinion.

How about its authenticity?

I do not see anything that stands out, but I am no expert on the 1914-D. Yet. It is my goal to buy this one raw; when I am ready.

However, I agree with the "fine" grades.

Technical VF-20, TPG F-12/15.

Looks like it's probably OK, but it's hard to see the MM without a close-up. Take it to a local deal and submit it to a TPG.

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?