VERY Popular among modern collectors are the 1909 - 1916 Matte Proof Lincolns.  Only a few thousand on the average were coined each year, and had an unusual granular appearance.   The MINT used this style, which was then popular in France, because the fields of the Lincoln cent were compound curvatures and the mint had no equipment able to polish dies like this.  During the period, collectors did not embrace the MATTE appearance, and sales of the coins dropped off.    The LAST matte proof Lincolns were made in 1916, though there are possibilities of a few 1917s existing.

Since these coins have special features, learning them can help you determine a true Matte Proof from a Quality Business Strike.   The first indicator is the rim.  This should be square and wide, with a sharp incuse break into the fields of the coin.   This is because the press used to make these coins has much more pressure and strikes the coin twice.   Dies used for the PROOFS were standard dies, selected for a quilty impression. Then, they were sandblasted to give a granular micropitted look which gave the coin a frosted soft look.  The Incredible detail of the Lincoln Bust though still retains amazing features, detial in the beard and hair are amazing.  The Granular surface is actually millions of small raised dimples from the impression of the sandblasted die.  The detail gradually smoothed out some years, and some years the dies were not blasted as strongly, so those years have a more satin look.   All lettering should be square, and very precise.    The edges of a matte proof coin are still bright, or by now brown, but will not show any granularity.

Coins which are being authenticated for Proof need to have certain Diagnostics.  That is, small features, defects in the dies which will be on every coin of that year, or on at least a later die stage of that year coin.  These are well known  and a small pamphlet on Matte Proof Lincoln Cents that sells on ebay is an excellent reference on these features and provides clear photos to use for comparing any coin.  If a raw coin has these rim features, and has clear diagnostics, it will be slabbed as a proof by a grading service.

GRADING SERVICES do the collector a great favor in the case of Matte Proof Lincolns by authenticating and grading this coin.  The value of a slabbed coin over a raw coin can be substantial.    The risk of the raw coin being bodybagged for being cleaned, or at worst just an acid dipped business strike are there in this case.  So many choose to purchase only Matte Proofs which have been slabbed by a grading service.  It is a good path to follow if you are not experienced.   There can be a risk/reward especially if the coin in question is a very nice business strike, a good find as is for coins of this era.  And, There are indeed LOST matte proofs out there, in what grade is unknown.  But, the rims will tell you a story.

When New, the MATTE PROOFS were given out to the public  few cents over face, wrapped in a high sulpher content tissue paper.   At the time, it was felt by the mint that this was "tarnish proof tissue" indeed it proved just the opposite.   When coins were received by the collector back in the day, if he was knowledgeable he was able to preserve these matte proofs as RED.  He put them in his own storage and discarded the tissue.   Also in the RED population now are coins which were dipped or treated many years ago which have retoned to a degree which allow them to be viewed by graders as RED   (once again).   Coins which remained in the tissue over the years, and some went unsold and on dealer shelves well into the 1950's. developed a rainbow of different colors, which are savored like fine wine by todays collector.  Expect Golds, Lilacs, Blues, Turquoise, Red, Purple, Green and any combination of these.    Some tone nicely around the rims, others in patches....no rhyme no reason.  What is, is.   Also, MANY were placed in storage in a way that the reverse has toned or colored much darker than the obverse. Color will not for the most part affect the value of a MPL, indeed, it can add to it significantly.   Each coin has a Magic Angle at which it will hit you with the colors of the sunset, or the leaves or autumn, if you hold it right.  Coins which have fully toned to brown can be stunning.  Remember this was not a circulating coin and the features are not worn, so the details of the bust and hair are stunning.  Brown coins are sometimes a very good choice with MPLS as the prices are moderate and the populations are decent.

Many find that the best way to enjoy a Matte Proof Lincoln is to use a high quality digital with zoom camera, a copy stand and a pair of moveable lights.   When viewed on the computer these images are amazing to behold, the detail on the Lincoln bust is a true work of 20th century Art.

Bid Wisely, Buy Slabbed Coins, Learn about these interesting coins  and enjoy owning the rarest Lincolns made.   Out of the original mintage of about 15,000 perhaps 3500 remain in slabs and an unknown (but not large) number of raw coins remain.