BN vs. RB vs. RD - Why all the hype?

In recent days, since I've rekindled my passion for the Lincoln Cent, I've been contemplating just how I'll complete the early dates in certified grades.

I started out with a fervor in the 34-58 set with a goal to complete in MS 67 RD - with a couple of exceptions - the 55 double die and the 1935 S, as neither fits any budget I would have unless of course I came upon some very large windfall of cash... I believe this to be a somewhat reasonable goal. I also set a goal for myself in the Memorials of MS 67 RD or MS 68 RD or higher for the later issues. Again a somewhat reasonable goal from a cost, availability and/or OBW coin submissions.

Now, back to the 09-33 set. What do I do? The full red coin on most issues other than the "P" mints are in mostly all cases astronomical in price... RB coins in many cases are just ugly... So, I then started contemplating BN coins, but the question I asked myself was "Are they really registry worthy?".

Well - as Q. David Bowers points out in the Redbook of Lincoln Cents - the true beauty of the Lincoln Cent is in full details. I would contend that a lusterous BN coin that is fully struck is just as beautiful as a RD coin and many times much nicer than RB coins and for a fraction of the price. In many cases it is possible to buy 3-4 MS 65 BN early date Lincolns for the price of one MS 65 RD coin.

My second contention is that the BN coin won't deteorirate and lose value. Copper is a highly reactive metal and as such will tone, age or otherwise change appearance that swings the value insanely. So, why shell out the cash for the RD coin and worry about environmental conditions blow up my investment like economic conditions have blown up my 401K?

Alas - the answer for me is MS 64/65 BN in the early set and consider full red coins when the price isn't too far out of line.

So far, I'm 1 for 2 with this strategy. I have a beautiful 1919-S MS 65 BN - that I'm very proud to own. See my set for pictures. Unfortunately, the coin I was waiting on last week, a 1924-D MS 65 BN, wasn't quite as nice. I had to send it back, as there was a green build up all over the coin in the crevices of the lettering and devices. Too bad, as I was very excited to find this low mintage issue. I guess the moral of this story is to be sure that you can see the coin well and never buy a coin sight unseen without a clear return policy. The eBay seller in this case, was very helpful and very willing to allow a return. I'm still sick that I returned this coin, but I was afraid of further deteoriation or problems.

Next up for me - a new submission to NGC - 2 1958 Wheats from an OBW roll (hoping for at least one 67), 1987 Lincoln Memorial, 1992 Lincoln Memorial and a 1994 D Lincoln Memorial (hoping for a clean sweep of 68's). No harm in thinking big!!