1999-S Lincoln Proof close AM

[gription]

i've been looking for that '27 for a long time.. cherrypicking and on ebay. never see them. maybe they're just too subtle.

have they been proven to be real rare.. since you need pics and all? compare them to the '17 if you would..

[doubledguy]

Both the 1917 and the 1927 are extremely rare in my humble opinion. When Kevin Flynn and I worked on THE AUTHORITATIVE REFERENCE ON LINCOLN CENTS which was published in 1996, Kevin was able to track down specimens of the 1917 and the 1927 and shoot photos of them. Photos of them also appear in my 1984 book THE LINCOLN CENT DOUBLED DIE. I am at a point where I would like to have my own personal photos of the varieties for a couple of book ventures in my mind which would be solo efforts. For those projects I would prefer not to have to rely on photos taken by others. It is a goal but not an absolute necessity.

I think all of the experts will agree that these two varieties are quite rare, especially in the higher grades.

[Bob P]

I certainly agree that they are quite rare in higher grades. I have found a 1917 DDO and two 1927 DDOs within the last year though. The 1917 is actually quite nice (F-VF) with the doubled die readily visible on the date and motto. The 1927s are both around F-15, but they can be identified as the DDO. As this variety wears, the doubling is quick to disappear.

[doubledguy]

Bob,
Thanks for the additional info. Congratulations on the finds. I've just got to start finding some time to do some searching myself. I feel like I am missing out on so much. I thought that it would get easier when I retired from teaching.

John

[gription]

here's the box at work i spent most of the day with.. notice the '27 rolls..



went through 12 of em.. found one that MIGHT be it this variety is almost worthy of ignoring if ya ask me.. it's just too hard to spot, or appreciate for that matter. but since i can't ignore it, i'll go through the rest, and every 27 i ever see.. until i find one, then i think i'm done with it but probably not.. can't help but cherrypick.

i remember when i got hooked on the '17 ddo.. went through like 30 rolls and found 3.. they're easy to spot. this 27 is tough.. here's what i've been looking at/for -



is there an easier pick up point?

[Bob P]

Probably, the easiest PUP on the 1927 DDO would be the LIB in LIBERTY. On worn examples, there will be a significant extra thickness on the horizontal crossbar of the L and the bottom of the B. Earlier examples will show the separation lines. The spread on GOD seems to last a bit longer as well, and the thicker left side of the O of GOD can be a good indicator. The notches on the top of the 7 in the date wears away very quickly.

[KurtS]

Well, I have to say...my latest find coupled with all this great info here has got me interested in Lincoln die varieties again. Thanks everyone! I wouldn't have found the 1999-S close AM if I hadn't been clued into its existence here.

So I just picked up a new box of cents: my next objective: the 92-D narrow AM.

[doubledguy]

Good luck Kurt. I hope you find that 92-D.

John

[KurtS]

Thanks John for all your insight, and I'll keep in touch on that '99-S. I certainly would like to assist you in your die analysis.

[car10]