Early wheat matte proof cents

Gabe · Senior Member

I was wondering what were people's opinions about them. Considering that approximately 2,000 were made for each date from 1909 to 1916, and most dates can be picked up for around $2,000, they appear (to me atleast) to be the most underpriced Lincoln cents.

Would you expect their demand to increase with the chaning of the memorial cent?

Also, if you have any in your collection.. I would love to see pictures of them..

eagames · Expert Member

Gabe,

I think it's true they're a bargain for such low mintage but still a lot of $ for my budget. Some IHC proofs are also bargains, look at how many proof IHCs are less money than same grade bus strikes.

I wish I had some Razz

The matte lincs also seem to tone in a cool way, almost every one I've seen has some cool toning or blue color.

I've also seen a lot of non proofs being sold as proofs, I'd only trust a real TPG graded one.

GarryN · Expert Member

Ive always liked the matte proofs too. I saw a few at a coin show recently with a dealer called "Coins of Appeal." You are right, they do tone very nicely. They look very impressive in hand. Harlan Berk's has one or two once in a while. They have a 1909 right now, PF65RB for $1,950. David Lawrence has some occasionally.

http://www.harlanjberk.com/unitedstatesco/details.asp?inventorynumber=33292&title=Lincoln+%A2&inventorygroup=us&linenum=1

coppercoins · Site Admin

One thing to note, however, is that they have already seen a dramatic increase in price over the past ten years. Back when I first started watching their prices you could get any matte proof brown Lincoln for $300 or less...often far less.

Of course this was back when the brilliant proofs of 1936-1942 were $50-$100 each, and now they sell in the hundreds, and BU rolls from the 1940s were all under $10 each except for the 1942S and the three 1943 rolls. Back then a bank wrapped roll of 1943P would cost you $25.

Earwig · Veteran Member

I cant believe the increase in prices on bu wheat rolls im glad i bought bunches back when they were under ten bucks. The coins that shocked me on the last grey sheet was BU Kenndy rolls the 82 to date just keep goin up

Eric

Dick · Expert Member

Earwig, where does one get the "grey sheet"? I am currently working on boxes of half-dollars.
Thanks,
Dick

Earwig · Veteran Member

CDN Publications it gives trending info on dif coins and there current bid and ask prices. There are 2 dif sheets published every other week so they included most coins 1 will include rolls and sets etc and the other will have dif donominations. So you have to get 2 weeks worth to get all the info

Eric

Gabe · Senior Member

Well.. the reason why I began this thread is because I have been saving money for over a year, and planned to put in a one-year CD (to begin putting money away for any future needs).

Now.. it occured to me maybe buying wheat matte proof cents would not be a bad way to start saving my money. I rather by saving my money in coins, than in a 5% CD...

Anyways, I've found some online sites that have a nice selection of proofs, but was reading in the description of some of the coins that they purchased their coins at the FUN show in Orlando.

I'm not sure if I should wait for the FUN show, and buy them there (which would probably mean that I could get them for less), or just go and buy them from the websites.

eagames · Expert Member

It seems like the supply of matte proofs is shrinking fast and prices are going up fast! Even 1953 and before normal proofs are getting harder to find and more $.

GarryN · Expert Member

Alot of the circa 1930, 1940 and 1950 proof sets are being broken up to identify and attribute CAM and DCAM coins. The remaining hazy and corroded proofs are left for the rest of the public to haggle over.

Dick · Expert Member

Gabe, I agree with your thinking about the CD type investment, as opposed to some savings tpyes. I think there is an even better way. It would seem to be more risky, but in fact it is not. i refer to the investment in short term "CDtype" investments in Mexico. It helps to know the language, but is not imperative, ewspecially along the border areas. Inglish is very widely spoken there. The % rates are much higher there, as compared to the US. I have seen the APR as high as 139.6%/per anum. This was several years ago, but even now, the rates are a lot higher than here. I imagine double digit, at least. I haven't checked lately, so I can't quote any numbers. Thought you might like to know that "our banks" aren't the only banks.
Dick