1c, 1993 TYPE II, WIDE AM

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

I knew about the 1c, 1992-D closed AM, but here is one that is new to me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=8325546976&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
1993 Wide AM, PCI Graded; MS 65 Red Lincoln Cent

WAVYSTEPS 2003

coop · Expert Member

I enlarged the image and it looks like a regular close AM to me unless I'm missing something. The wide AM would be rare, but this one looks like a regular that was slabbed incorrectly. Notice the price and his feedback. Something fishy there in my opinion.

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

I just tried to magnify and enhance the picture of that coin and met with limited results. One thing that I did notice was that it appears that the "FG" is in the correct position. I also tried to get a better look at the blocks under the shrubs, for there is some difference in those also (between a business and proof strike) and again, I really could not get the proper focus to discern the difference.

You are right though Coop, it does appear ro be a bit "fishy". I guess it is possible to have a wide AM 1993; they just didn't change the hammer die at the begining of the year and went with the obverse die until the reverse die wore out. Billy Crawford proved that they do this with his discovery of of a 1994 and a 1995 with the same reverse.

I am traking it just to see what kind of response it gets. It should be interesting, LOL Very Happy

WAVYSTEPS2003

Gabe · Senior Member

The PCI label shown in the auction does not look right. Look at the part that says mintage... it looks like someone took scissors, rut and pasted that to the label. I would not bid.

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

GABE - You are diffently right, the label has been tamper with. The "1993 WIDE AM" and the "mintage unknown" have been added to the original label, evident by the bottom of the "g" in the word "mintage" being cut off and the mis-match of the whites.

In other words "SCAM JOB".

I would not have bid on it either, it is not to my "taste" even if it were real. However, the question remains, is there such an error?

WAVYSTEPS2003

coop · Expert Member

Its always good to have an open mind to question BEFORE bidding. I seen many a junk coin on EBAY for a high dollar. To many to save on a file. Got to look close and ask before jumping in. Get anothers opinion and then another one. Consider the source and the feedback of the individual and even then you have to look again as all of us can be wrong at times.

Gabe · Senior Member

These are the major problems with the auction...

1) The front of the PCI label is the wrong size. Look at the picture of the back of the PCI label in the auction, and it looks like a real PCI label, but the front of the label is not the of the same shape.

2) Not only is the label the wrong size and shape, but it has been tampered with. This is evident in the mintage part of the label, were it is clear that the backgrounds of dont match, and the words are croocked. This might have been dont by computer or by manually cutting and pasting. Also, the background of the MS-65 part of the label doesnt match with the rest of the label.

3) The label does not have a serial number. PCI puts serial numbers (or whatever they call it) in this labels. This one obviously doesnt have one.

4) Probably the best way to know it is a fake auction is because with all of these experts, and experienced Lincoln cent variety collectors, none have heard of such a variety.

Its a fake, and it should be reported to ebay. The fact that the seller is a new seller with 0 feedback is also a redflag.

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

Gabe - I shall continue to watch this item and if some unfortunate soul does bid on this item, I shall personally E-mail him and relate to the facts that have been found. I am not to sure if Ebay, in its infinite wisdom, will do anything about this more than obvious "SCAM".

The one thing that has turned up great about this post is the need for this forum. It is a wonderful tool in discovering such underhanded methodes used by some people to decive others. I highly encourage other members to post such suspious findings in this forum and ask opinions of just what is going on. We have a wealth of people who know what is going on in the coin world and this is the "where" to find such information.

You all have a great day searching those little copper discs and think wavy steps, LOL.

WAVYSTEPS2003

wavysteps2003 · Expert Member

Just to let all know who were interested in this Ebay auction, the coin offered has been removed from Ebay listings.

WAVYSTEPS2003

Bob P · Site Admin

It is a pity to see such a horrible attempt of fraud. There were bells and whistles going off the moment it was posted. Very good observations guys. Education is the key and you did it right. As BJ said...the item has been pulled, so for at least a little while, this won't be a problem. Keep your eyes open for other attempts at this sort of stuff. Ebay is reporting a huge influx of fraud reports. It is a pity, and it makes me sick to see it.

coop · Expert Member

I hate to see all the machine doubling going for a fortune and a Real RPM or Doubled Die going so cheap. Dirty rotten bottom feeders.... LOL