1909 1C PR68 Red PCGS. CAC....

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1909 Lincoln Cent, PR68 Red
Sole Finest at PCGS; CAC-Approved
Ex: Stewart Blay

1909 1C PR68 Red PCGS. CAC. Stunning red surfaces contain lovely hints of lemongrass on the obverse periphery. All striking details are defined with razor sharp detail, and the state of preservation this coin has survived in over the past 117 years is so incredible as to be almost unbelievable.
     Three varieties of Proof cents were made in 1909: the outgoing Indian Head design, the short-lived and desirable VDB variety, and the less lauded but imminently important 1909 non-VDB. After the new Lincoln Cent was introduced to great fanfare on August 2, 1909, Secretary of the Treasury Franklin MacVeagh ordered the removal of the initials on August 12. The reverse rim relief was reduced at the same time. Proof production continued with the new design, with one of the obverse dies used on the VDB coinage carried over to the later non-VDB proofs.
     These non-VDB proofs are scarce today. The strong interest in the new cents did not take long to die down, and the non-VDB issues were therefore not saved as readily. Also, collectors were less likely to pursue a third variety of proof for the year, especially given this type was not introduced until mid-August.
     Most survivors have toned down to the commonly seen light brown hue, but this example is a notable exception, exhibiting full red brilliance. According to PCGS's population reports, just two of every seven certifications can boast the same level of preservation. However, the numerical excellence of this example is not matched by any other 1909 Lincoln Cent, and across the 1909-1916 proofs overall, just two other certifications are equivalent (one 1910 and one 1914), with just one finer (also a 1914). For the Registry Set collector, the present offering represents the marquee opportunity for this issue. PCGS Population: 1 in 68, 0 finer (4/26). CAC: 1 in 68, 0 finer (4/26).
Ex: Stewart Blay's Red Copper Collection of Lincoln Cents; Great Collection (8/2022), item ID 1204594.(Registry values: N4719)
From The Bolt Collection of Proof Lincoln Cents.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 22KS, PCGS# 3305, GSID# 2475)

Metal: 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
Weight: 3.11 grams
Weight: 0.10422oz
Mintage: 2,618

View all of [The Bolt Collection of Proof Lincoln Cents ]

View Certification Details from PCGS