1971-S ODV-027, ODV-028 RDV-008 Design Varieties

[mikes7657]

Hello. I noticed that the 1971-S ODV-028 RDV-002 is not easy to come by and the 1971-S ODV-028 RDV-008 is extremely rare. I bought a proof 1971-S from a guy who regualary sells me his silver. He is not too fond of the penny, (but will hold on to it if he see a double die). That being said, he gave it to me for face value (25 cents total including the flip) Now it turns out that the coin might be extremely rare. I've read that rarity and value don't always walk hand-in-hand; a lot dependins on how desireable the coin is.

Well, I think that I have found a 1971-S Proof, ODV-028 RDV-008 . Make your own determination from the photos provided. Compare the photos from Variety Vista, and you will find the stregthening in the right memorial step, Bowtie change, and throat change are all complete. I don't know if the enhancement in the beard was an extra touch-up by the designer or not. He did a nice job, either way.

Mike

[jcuve]

ODV-028 is most easily distinguished from ODV-027 from the lower part of the bow-tie. In terms of rarity, I believe Wiles is correct that the San Fransisco versions tend to mostly be ODV-027 - making RDV-028 harder to find. Wile has not explained his methodology for terms such as rare or scarce and translated them into a percentage. Nor has Wiles stated what his sample was for coming to that conclusion, so I am just not sure how rare they are. I don't have a lot of 1971-S Lincolns on hand, yet I have both obverses. At this point I see no additional premium for the design change as very few collectors realize a change occurred. Until they are coveted beyond the few who are searching for them, they are just another 1971-S to most people.

Do note that Wiles indicates that the business strike ODV-028 is rare - not the proofs.

I have meant to post photos of the two designs and will try and make a thread about it in the future.

The reverse change, while noteworthy, means little as it takes very little circulation wear, a slight ding, maybe even die wear to effectively mask the identification of those needed steps. I can see a day when the obverse change gets some notoriety, but not the reverse change. Everything else you are pointing too is normal, it just depends on die state and the strike, beard details in particular. And it's doubled die, not double die: "but will hold on to it if he see a double die."

[mikes7657]

Thank you. I didn't read it in his notes that the rare coin is a business strike, but I wondered about it since proofs are different (such as wide AM on 1998, 1999, 2000 proofs). With this one, a person not only needs a coin that is well struck but also must have it in ms60+ condition without any dings in the wrong spot.

I look forward to seeing your photos and reading what you have to say about this interesting variety change.

I am patiently waiting for the money for a coin scope and camera to get some decent photographs of my coins! Here's a better shot of the bowtie for what "I think" is ODV-028

Mike