1922 No D Lincoln Cent. FS-401, Die Pair II. Strong Reverse. MS-64 BN (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.

An enticing offering for the discerning collector, this is a beautiful Choice Uncirculated example of the scarce and conditionally challenging 1922 No D cent. Warmly patinated in rich tobacco-brown, both sides also reveal tinges of faded rose and pale blue-gray as the surfaces dip into a light. Sharply struck on the reverse, as expected for a Die Pair II example, the obverse is characteristically softer, although in the absence of wear most major design elements on that side are readily appreciable. The letter L in LIBERTY and the words IN GOD WE are faint, however, and require persistence to discern. Satiny in texture with a smooth appearance in hand, this premium quality coin is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced Lincoln cent set. The most desirable of the three die pairs known for the 1922 No D Cent, Die Pair II is missing the mintmark due to overzealous polishing of the obverse die. This was done in the Mint to efface clash marks, the polishing inadvertently removing the mintmark and also softening the detail to all other devices on the obverse. The reverse die is a fresh one, however, which explains the much sharper reverse definition that characterizes examples of this die pair. Indeed, Die Pair II is widely regarded as the only "true" No D variety of the 1922-D, as explained by our own Q. David Bowers, in his Guide Book of Lincoln Cents for Whitman: When dies were first used they produced regular 1922-D cents. Then, they weakened as the die became worn from extensive use. It is thought that the D was completely ground off of one die - that being from pair No. 2 - when it was relapped or resurfaced to reduce surface roughness and extend its life. Cents of 1922-D struck without a mintmark always have a very weakly detailed obverse in other areas as well. The reverse can range from weak to fairly sharp, depending upon the die. The ANACS staff, writing in The Numismatist, July 1982, consolidated comments and research by others, and described the specific characteristics of die pairs used to strike 1922 cents with a weak or missing D. Die pair No. 2, with no D visible, was described as starting with a fresh pair of dies. The two dies clashed (met in the coining press without a planchet between them), causing clash marks on both sides. According to the ANACS scenario, the obverse die was lightly dressed or filed, to remove the clash marks, and in the process the D was removed completely. The reverse die was discarded and replaced by a new one. Thus were produced 1922 cents with no D whatsoever. The typical 1922 No D Cent offered in today's market is a circulated coin. Mint State pieces are rare and eagerly sought, most of which are concentrated at the MS-62 BN grade level. A superior example, the offered coin with exceedingly rare CAC approval at the MS-64 BN level is worthy of the strongest bids.

PCGS# 3285. NGC ID: 22C9.

PCGS Population: 4; with a single MS-65 BN finer in this category. CAC Stickered Population: 2; 1.

Ex Whispering Pines Collection.

Estimate: $45000