1916 Lincoln Cent. Proof-67 RB (NGC).
Light olive-brown patina blends with dominant deep orange color on this handsome specimen. Fully struck with robust mint finish, the fine-grain texture for which this issue is known is readily appreciable with magnification. Definitely superior quality for this challenging issue. The final generally accepted Proof issue from the early Lincoln Cent series, the 1916 is also among the rarest. A mere 1,050 pieces were produced, although it seems likely that no more than 600 examples were actually distributed to contemporary collectors. The unsold coins were melted, and even many of those pieces that did sell in 1916 were later lost due to circulation or other mishandling. This example is among the finest certified survivors, ranking near the very top of the PCGS and NGC population reports.
PCGS# 3325. NGC ID: 22KZ.
NGC Census: 3; with a single Proof-67+ RB finer in this category. The corresponding PCGS Population is similar at 5/1 (Proof-67+ RB also finest).

Estimate: $12000