Spots on copper. 0

[ldhair]

There is no fixing this coin but I wish there was. 

 

[J P M]

It is still a wonderful coin. Copper is not a nice metal. Never sneeze on the coin before it goes in the holder. 

[VKurtB]

On 2/18/2023 at 6:00 PM, ldhair said:

There is no fixing this coin but I wish there was. 

 

I would be thrilled with it, as it is. 

[Fenntucky Mike]

Lincoln looks absolutely shaggy, I love it!

Yeah baby!

[Coinbuf]

That is most unfortunate indeed.

[Sandon]

   The only matte proof Lincoln I have, a 1912, is graded MS 63BN and has a small planchet flaw. At least this one has some color. 

   When you're 109 years old, you should look so good!

[bsshog40]

Still a very nice coin Larry! 

[VKurtB]

On 2/18/2023 at 6:57 PM, Fenntucky Mike said:

Lincoln looks absolutely shaggy, I love it!

Yeah baby!

That detail in the beard and sideburns, plus the tie and those magnificent rims, tell the tale of a matte proof. 

[GoldFinger1969]

Key date, rare or something ?

[Sandon]

 

On 2/19/2023 at 3:58 PM, GoldFinger1969 said:

Key date, rare or something ?

  The coin is a (matte) proof, of which 1,365 were reported minted, as opposed to 75,238,432 Philadelphia Lincoln cents made for circulation.  They are identified by their finely grainy finish, broad rims, and very strong strike. This coin, graded PF63 RB, presently lists $825 in the NGC Price Guide, whereas a MS 63 RB regular 1914 cent lists $90.

[VKurtB]

On 2/19/2023 at 2:58 PM, GoldFinger1969 said:

Key date, rare or something ?

All matte proof Lincolns are scarce to rare. 

[GoldFinger1969]

On 2/19/2023 at 4:19 PM, Sandon said:

 

  The coin is a (matte) proof, of which 1,365 were reported minted, as opposed to 75,238,432 Philadelphia Lincoln cents made for circulation.  They are identified by their finely grainy finish, broad rims, and very strong strike. This coin, graded PF63 RB, presently lists $825 in the NGC Price Guide, whereas a MS 63 RB regular 1914 cent lists $90.

Without all or most of the black spots, what grade would it have gotten ?

[GoldFinger1969]

What causes spotting in a copper coin like a penny ?  

I believe for gold coins it's the copper alloy mixed in for pre-1933 gold coins; I'll double-check. 

Edited February 20, 2023 by GoldFinger1969

[VKurtB]

On 2/20/2023 at 10:17 AM, GoldFinger1969 said:

What causes spotting in a copper coin like a penny ?  

I believe for gold coins it's the copper alloy mixed in for pre-1933 gold coins; I'll double-check. 

Most are from low pH droplets. 

[Sandon]

   Copper and largely copper alloys such as the bronze of which this 1914 cent is composed (95% copper, 5% zinc and tin) are highly reactive. The spots and small areas of corrosion such as those on this coin can result from a bit of dust or a droplet of saliva. The sources of the deterioration appear to have been removed, so the coin should be relatively stable.  However, I've never understood why collectors are willing to pay enormous prices for "red" copper coins, as the color is always at risk of fading or spotting, even in a grading service holder and isn't guaranteed by the grading services.  

   There are relatively few "red" matte proof Lincoln cents, as many were stored for years in paper envelopes that caused them to tone.  Many of the toned coins, which may be graded "RB" or "BN", feature various shades of blue, green and orange and are considered to be quite attractive.

[VKurtB]

On 2/20/2023 at 10:40 AM, Sandon said:

   Copper and largely copper alloys such as the bronze of which this 1914 cent is composed (95% copper, 5% zinc and tin) are highly reactive. The spots and small areas of corrosion such as those on this coin can result from a bit of dust or a droplet of saliva. The sources of the deterioration appear to have been removed, so the coin should be relatively stable.  However, I've never understood why collectors are willing to pay enormous prices for "red" copper coins, as the color is always at risk of fading or spotting, even in a grading service holder and isn't guaranteed by the grading services.  

   There are relatively few "red" matte proof Lincoln cents, as many were stored for years in paper envelopes that caused them to tone.  Many of the toned coins, which may be graded "RB" or "BN", feature various shades of blue, green and orange and are considered to be quite attractive.

I have read that ANY “RD” matte proof Lincoln should be viewed with maximum suspicion. It has more than likely been messed with.