William Blake Memorial Eye Appeal and Pedigree Collection 的钱币相册
This green-labeled 1909VDB displays clear and strong classic diagnostics (as recognized by both Leonard Albrecht [1983] and in the John Wexler/Kevin Flynn [1996] manuals). Albrecht (LA) recognizes only one obverse and one reverse die pairing, and this coin demonstrates all the qualities taught by LA (see pg. 2052). Wexler/Flynn (WF), on the other hand, teaches two (2) obverses and three (3) reverse dies (see WF pg. 349). This particular coin, diagnostically, appears to follow the FW Obverse #1, as described diagnostically in the text. None of the diagnostic markers from WF Obverse # 2 are present. However, the reverse of the coin displays the WF diagnostics associated with both Reverse # 1 AND at least one diagnostic element from Reverse # 3. As the same dies are historically known to have been used for the 1909VDB, and then tooled in an effort to save time in minting the ‘plain’ 1909 (I believe that the VDBs were only minted between August 2-5 1909, per WF, page 348 -- I therefore suspect there was much ‘mixing and matching’ of dies for the VDB and plain 1909s), and this will require further research. The answers may or may not ever be known. This particular 1909VDB displays heavy but attractive matte surfaces. Again, that does not necessarily indicate any particular die state (EDS, MDS, or LDS), or whether the coin achieved that surface through acid bath etching or sand-blasting. The obverse has a deep "Purple Haze" toning over an original heavily-under toned luster comprising reds and purples and highlighted with solid red rim toning. The reverse is multi-colored, comprising purples, greens and oranges mingled over the entire surface (the photo is not representative of the true colors or luster of the coin). The obverse is 75% red, and has a good clean strike and no contact marks. The reverse, being so full of color, with only a few minor non-distracting spots, justify a solid PR65RB designation.
This is a spectacularly-toned and fabulous 1909 specimen in all respects. I have never seen a MPL with such outstanding deep luster, which makes this coin a true eye-popper. The surfaces are clearly original, and are more satin then matte. The entire coin displays diagnostic elements from all the standard Lincoln reference books, but many striations and diagnostics that I've not even seen catalogued. The surfaces are literally full of fine die striations on every open field. The obverse surface is 75% mint red with the remaining 25% upper right being the deepest beautiful magentas and wispy greens that the photograph just doesn’t catch; To hold this coin in hand is a special treat. One obverse rim 6:00 carbon spot limits the grade to PR66, but in truth, does not take away from the amazing quality of this coin's extraordinary surfaces. The coin appears to be PR67 in strike and eye appeal, even with the mentioned shortcoming. Provenance: Brian Wagner.
Prior owner Jack Slattery ("Curly's matte proof Lincolns") wrote me that the coin reminded him of the candy coating on an apple at a carnival that we enjoyed as kids. I can't beat that description. The surface also exhibits a strong strike, and hints of green mingled within the deep russet toning. A truly special MPL. Provenance: Ex. Jack Slattery.
"Kryptonite" from the green glow of Krypton! This coin has an even blue-green patina, is spot free, and would not surprise me if it were given the first PR67BN grade from PCGS. It amazes me that the coin is labeled as "brown". "Toned" would be more accurate. This coin points out a flaw in our present grading system, in terms of describing copper color. In other technical respects, the coin appears flawless. Thank you, Alan Epstein. Provenance: Ex. Alan Epstein Collection. BWRC Hall of Fame Coin.
This is a special coin. The legendary Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., in his renowned collection, possessed only six Matte Lincoln Cents. The present PR66 was authenticated by PCGS as a genuine Eliasberg specimen and a finest MPL for the year 1912, with none higher. The PCGS green label holder has been perfectly preserved, but needed a good buffing to remove the 'smoky' appearance. It turns out that the coin itself, while hard to photograph, has strong golden obverse toning and plently of eye appeal. The reverse displays swirls of strong blues, reds, ambers and magentas. The surfaces are heavily matted, and the coin is diagnostically strong, as recognized by the classical texts, and further, are extraordinarily clean. And though the coin was graded by PCGS roughly 10 years ago, the grade appears quite accurate, and this coin is adjudged by Brian Wagner to be a middle to high-end PR66. While an upgrade would not surprise me in theory, in fact the green label, with “Eliasberg” prominently displayed, makes the upgrade point unthinkable to this collector, as separating this museum piece from the holder would diminish the considerable charm of this gem. Even a CAC sticker on the label would likely diminish the authentic ‘feel’ of this historical coin. The Bowers and Merena (1996) auction catalog by David Bowers states that the coin is “One of the finest seen.” Pedigree (Research progressing): John M. Clapp (Acquired 1912 directly from Philadelphia Mint); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. (Acquired 1942 from Estate of J.M. Clapp); Timothy Liston (Liston I Collection, acquired 2002 in Superior Sale (Lot 77) (Formerly in Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection and sold as Lot 676 in 1996 at the famous Bowers and Merena sale in New York City).
This particular proof must be almost unique. I’ve never seen this many color variations on any type of coin before. The descriptor Red-Brown is clearly inadequate to describe this coin’s deep colors, absent some sort of further description. Both sides exhibit not only beautiful proof rainbow toning but wild diagnostic swirling die polish striations all over the fields on both obverse and especially reverse. The color is obviously dramatic, and for lovers of toned coins, this one is remarkable. The photo does not give a very good view of the depth of the luster, unfortunately. The grade could very well be PR66 RB, Green, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Magenta, Dubonnet, etc! The strike is good on Lincoln’s shoulder and all the high points are crisp. Yet with all that color, the coin appears original and untampered, as the delicate polish lines are numerous and undisturbed, as mentioned. Provenance: Ex. Takade; Ex. Dave Kelly Collection; Ex. Alan Epstein MPL collection, Thank you, Alan Epstein and Brian Wagner. BWRC Hall of Fame Coin.
From the famous Stewart Blay Collection, this 1914 is an attractive "wow" coin, and that is exactly the typical reaction that people have when they see it! This unique coin exhibits on obverse that is clearly 100% red, and actually appears self-illuminating and glowing, like no MPL I've ever seen. The obverse has an effervescent ‘sunlight’ glowing brightly in the center, and strong magenta and subtle lime toning around the outer circle of the coin. The heavy die polish vertical lines under Lincoln's chin are very pronounced, and beyond that, the bust of Lincoln appears as a strong red cameo in contrast. I have not seen a cameo MPL before, but this coin clearly has that property on its obverse. Stewart Blay estimated the obverse to be in the neighborhood of a PR68, although accurately told me that the reverse was more modest. With the reverse being less dramatic, a split grade of PR66 is presently labeled, but with the subjectivity of grading split obverse/reverse coins, I could see a legitimate PR67 being fairly graded and given for this wonderful and unique coin, based on the out-of-this world obverse carrying the coin. The reverse is solid; it just happens to be more in line with a PR66 as the obverse is so eye-catching. The reverse itself is spot-free and has attractive light green-colored toning in areas. In balance, a PR66 or PR67. Either way, thank you, Stewart and Brian Wagner. Provenance: Ex. Stewart Blay. BWRC Hall of Fame Coin.
This 1915 has an attractive subtle bluish-toned patina with a grainy wood appearance over the entire subtle matte surface, and which permeates both sides of the coin (this 'wood grain' copper appearance is typically seen in copper minted in the San Francisco mint, so the quality in this Philadelphia-based coin is unusual). The coin is also completely spotless. Although known for their rich detail of sculpting, this coin, even for a 1915, has an uncommon detail in the strike on Lincoln’s bust and on the reverse wheat ears. The strike and especially clean appearance of the coin are remarkable. I have compared it to a high-level 1915 PR66 RD in my private collection, in terms of strike, and the detail of the 'BN' coin exceeds the red, in my opinion. The 1915 MPL may perhaps be the quintessentially best representative of the Lincoln Cent, judging from this coin. Also, the reverse of this specimen has diagnostic elements that I have not seen in any of the Lincoln texts. The coin could absolutely carry a PR67 BN label, I have been told by more then one experienced numismatist. Provenance: Ex. Dave Kelly; Ex. Jack Slattery.
Like the 1915, this coin is genuinely rare, with 600 minted and an unknown quality sold and/or destroyed due to public dissatisfaction and World War I (also very similar to the 1915). The coin screams 'Matte' and most likely looks more similar to the day it was minted than many other coins of 'RB' and 'RD' designation, which many argue have been cleaned at one time or another. We do not believe that this coin has been cleaned; it has authentically-colored surfaces, irrespective of the color designation given by the grading service. One view of this coin's seemingly original surfaces and I can't help but think of a trip to the beach. The sandy color and heavy matte granular texture are perfectly descriptive. Like the 1915 before it, the strike is full and clean, with subtle but strong diagnostic elements. A cast of light green patina covers much of the coin, with intermittent cover of strong red on Lincoln's shoulder and various spots along the coins surface. Provenance: Ex. Dave Kelly; Ex. Looney.