5658

1912 1C PR66 Red NGC. We cannot overstate the imp

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1912 1C PR66 Red NGC. We cannot overstate the imp
<B>1912<1C> PR66 Red NGC.</B></I> We cannot overstate the importance of this Gem full Red proof Lincoln cent for specialists in this long-lived and popular series. Only two 1912 examples have received a PR66 Red grade from the major grading services: the present example and a specimen at PCGS. None are finer (3/05). As befits the issue, both sides display a matte finish that is coarser than that seen on the typical survivor from the two preceding proof deliveries. This texture is undisturbed by even a single noteworthy handling mark, and distracting carbon flecks are also conspicuous by their absence. Needle sharp striking definition characterizes all of the fully lustrous, cherry-red features.<BR> In terms of total number of coins known, the 1912 is not as rare as either the 1909 VDB or the 1916. As a full Red Gem, however, David Lange (1996) notes that the 1912 is the rarest of the three issues. The author also speculates that many of the 2,145 proof Lincoln cents prepared in 1912 may have been melted as unsold. Clearly, the coin in this lot is among the most significant cent offerings in this sale.