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The Professional Grader’s Perspective on 1920 Lincoln Cent Toning
Condition is everything. Here is how to look at the high points and fields to determine the true grade of this piece.
Historical Significance of the 1920 Lincoln Cent
The 1920 Lincoln cent represents a fascinating period in American numismatic history. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint without a mint mark, this coin emerged during the Roaring Twenties when the United States was experiencing unprecedented economic growth. The Philadelphia Mint produced over 45 million of these cents in 1920, making them relatively common in circulated grades but increasingly scarce in pristine condition.
The Lincoln cent series, introduced in 1909, revolutionized American coinage by featuring the first real person on a circulating U.S. coin. Victor David Brenner’s iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln has remained essentially unchanged for over a century, making it one of the most recognizable designs in world coinage.
Identifying Key Markers: Wear Patterns and Strike Quality
When examining a 1920 Lincoln cent, professional graders focus on several critical areas. The high points of Lincoln’s portrait show the first signs of wear – specifically the cheek, jaw, and hair details above the ear. On this particular specimen, the wear patterns appear concentrated in these areas, suggesting significant circulation before the toning developed.
The strike quality of Philadelphia-minted Lincoln cents from this era was generally good but not exceptional. The 1920 issue shows adequate detail in the wheat stalks on the reverse, though some softness in the center is typical. The lettering remains sharp, particularly the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” and the denomination “ONE CENT.”
Field conditions are crucial for grading. This coin exhibits several distracting marks, most notably fingerprints on the obverse that break up the toning pattern. These contact marks significantly impact the technical grade regardless of the attractive coloration.
Luster Assessment: Original Mint Bloom vs. Artificial Enhancement
The luster on this 1920 cent presents an interesting case study. Original mint luster should appear as a cartwheel effect when the coin is rotated under a light source. However, the neon blue and purple toning visible on this specimen raises immediate questions about its origin.
Several forum members correctly identified the unusual coloration as potentially resulting from MS70 coin dip or similar chemical treatments. The immediate blue and purple toning mentioned by experienced collectors is a telltale sign of chemical alteration rather than natural toning. Natural toning on copper coins typically develops slowly over decades, creating more subtle color transitions.
The presence of original red copper showing through on the left half of the obverse adds another layer of complexity. This suggests the coin may have been dipped or cleaned at some point, removing original surface metal before the artificial toning was applied.
Eye Appeal: The Subjective Element in Grading
Despite the technical concerns, eye appeal remains a significant factor in coin valuation. The vibrant blue and purple toning creates a visually striking coin that many collectors find attractive. As one forum member noted, “TPG grade is irrelevant in this case, it will sell for a premium because of that color. That’s my definition of market acceptable.”
However, professional graders must balance aesthetic appeal against authenticity concerns. The fingerprints, potential cleaning, and artificial toning all detract from the coin’s technical merit, even if they contribute to its visual interest. The two brow lines visible on Lincoln’s forehead, mentioned by a sharp-eyed observer, may indicate die deterioration or striking issues that further complicate the grade assessment.
PCGS/NGC Standards: Technical Grading vs. Market Reality
According to PCGS and NGC standards, this 1920 Lincoln cent would face significant challenges achieving a straight grade. The fingerprints alone would likely result in a Details grade with Environmental Damage or Cleaning noted. The artificial toning, while visually appealing to some collectors, represents a form of alteration that third-party grading services typically document.
Interestingly, forum members reported varying experiences with similar coins. One collector shared success in getting a rainbow-toned 1943 cent straight graded on a second attempt after an initial Details grade. This highlights the subjective nature of grading, particularly with problem coins that have been resubmitted.
The discussion revealed that NGC has become more lenient regarding MS70-toned coins in recent years, while PCGS maintains stricter standards. However, both services would likely note the artificial nature of this particular toning job.
Value Guide: Understanding the Market for Toned Lincoln Cents
The market value of this 1920 Lincoln cent depends entirely on buyer preferences and intended use. For a collector seeking a problem-free, investment-grade specimen, this coin would hold minimal value – perhaps $10-20 as a filler in a circulated set. The technical flaws and questionable toning would significantly limit its appeal to traditional collectors.
However, for collectors who appreciate colorful toning regardless of its origin, this coin could command a substantial premium. The vibrant coloration makes it a conversation piece and display item that some collectors value highly. One forum member suggested that despite grading concerns, “it will sell for a premium because of that color.”
Comparison pieces provide valuable context. A naturally toned, problem-free 1920 Lincoln in MS65 Red-Brown might sell for $50-100, while an MS65 Red example could exceed $200. The artificially toned specimen with fingerprints would likely fall somewhere between these figures, depending on the buyer’s priorities.
Authentication Considerations and Storage Recommendations
Professional authentication becomes crucial for coins with unusual toning patterns. The immediate blue and purple coloration mentioned by experienced collectors suggests chemical treatment rather than natural toning. Authentication services can confirm whether the toning is artificial and whether the coin has been cleaned or altered.
For storage, several forum members recommended different approaches. One suggested keeping the coin in a 2×2 holder if grading wasn’t a priority, while another recommended album storage for long-term preservation. The consensus seemed to favor protective storage that prevents further environmental damage while acknowledging the coin’s compromised condition.
The forum discussion highlighted an important principle: when dealing with common date Lincoln cents, purchasing problem-free examples from reputable sources often proves more cost-effective in the long run than acquiring questionable coins that require extensive authentication and may never achieve desired grades.
Conclusion: Balancing Technical Grade and Market Appeal
This 1920 Lincoln cent presents a fascinating case study in the tension between technical grading standards and market preferences. While PCGS and NGC would likely assign a Details grade due to the fingerprints and artificial toning, the coin’s vibrant coloration ensures it will appeal to certain collectors willing to overlook these flaws.
For the original poster who “loved its color,” the coin represents a successful acquisition regardless of its technical grade. The forum discussion demonstrates that in numismatics, as in many collectibles, beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder. Some collectors prioritize technical perfection and investment potential, while others value visual appeal and conversation pieces.
The key takeaway for collectors is to understand what you’re buying and why. If you appreciate colorful toning and aren’t concerned about technical grades, coins like this can provide great satisfaction. However, if you’re building a high-grade set or seeking investment-grade specimens, focusing on problem-free examples will likely prove more rewarding in the long term.
Ultimately, this 1920 Lincoln cent reminds us that coin collecting encompasses both art and science, with room for diverse collecting philosophies and aesthetic preferences within the hobby.
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