Matte Proofs

[GarryN]

Here is an interesting article on the mysterious matte proof Lincolns. There is also a link there to pics of the William Blake Collection.


http://www.pcgs.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=5433&universeid=313

[fiddle-fart]

I know it is highly unlikely that one may find a "matte" in circulation.
My question is how would one tell if they did find one?

Thanks
Mike

[eagames]

Mike,

It's so unlikely I would not think about it!

They made them in 1909-1916 (other than a possible one from 1917 that might not be real) then they made in I think 1936.

On the 1909-1916 MPLs the simple diagnostic is sharp straight (no bulge) edges and wide sharp rim along with the matte finish.

I see many cleaned non proofs offered as MPLs but they are not, I'd stick with graded ones unless someone realy understands these.

They are getting very costly nowdays. Not likely to find a decent one under $1000.

I wish I had one

[eagames]

Might look at this thread from the CU forum about MPL diagnostics.


http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=612105&highlight_key=y&keyword1=mpl%20diagnostics

[fiddle-fart]

Thank You
Mike

[GarryN]

The article I posted mentions that the matte proofs have a grainy pebble like finish, which is evident in the photos in the eagames post. Beautiful photos by the way. Gabe should chime in here as he has some of these.