how to determine 1964 sms cent?

[Guest]

I got this 1964 cent as change today and I've spent the last 6+ hours trying to determine what are the characteristics of a 1964 SMS cent. So far, I've found little to no real identifying methods to definitively know if I have a 1964 SMS cent or not. Also, the blemish to the right of Lincoln's beard/chin seems to be some sort of strike mark but it's hard to determine as it's covered by dirt?

Any/all help figuring this out is greatly appreciated! -Robert

[jallengomez]

SMS coins display superior strikes with nice, crisp rims and more separation between the rims and the devices such as IGWT and the L in LIBERTY. Here's an example-

http://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/11892052_1265333_max.jpg

[robertk310]

SMS coins display superior strikes with nice, crisp rims and more separation between the rims and the devices such as IGWT and the L in LIBERTY. Here's an example-

http://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/118...265333_max.jpg

Hi Jallen!
Thanks for your prompt reply. Would you say the examples I provided of the 1964 cent are not high enough resolution to get your opinion? After seeing the example you provided--thanks again--I'm thinking I need to get better pictures up for people to chime in on?

Speaking of the L, on my coin the LIBE almost look like they are on a slight upward slope (from l-r). Also, any idea what the strike mark is to the right of Lincoln's beard? I've never encountered a coin where I have so many unanswered questions and believe me, I spent a lot of time looking at it and researching online.

[mustbebob]

I am rather curious as to what made you think you might have an SMS cent in the first place Robert. Not a lot of folks even know there was one, so it might be some good info to pass on.

[GrumpyEd]

The odds are very slim.
There were almost 2.7 billion regular 1964 plain cents made and nice condition ones are still common.

The few dozen 1964 SMS coins came from a mint directors estate then long after being sold in the 90s people realized what they were. There might only have been a few dozen sets of them.

There could have been a few that escaped but even if a few 64 SMS cents did get put into circulation among the almost 2.7 billion normal ones finding one in circulation and identifying it would be very unlikely. So unlikely that it's probably not worth looking unless someone had a good reason to think they had some coins that came from that mint directors estate sale or some other clue.

Check out:

http://www.lincolncentresource.com/SMS_Lincoln_Cents.html

http://www.pcgs.com/News/1964-Special-Mint-Set-Coins

[robertk310]

I am rather curious as to what made you think you might have an SMS cent in the first place Robert. Not a lot of folks even know there was one, so it might be some good info to pass on.

Hi Bob,
Thanks for your reply! I tried replying the other day and the site was ↓ for maintenance? I didn't know what I found at first. The minute I looked at this penny I knew I've never seen a penny like this one, which, like I stated in original post, then proceeded to spend 6+ hours trying to find out what type of cent I was holding/starting at. I stumbled upon sms information by accident!

[robertk310]

Thanks for your post Ed, but your answer is what has led me to post my question! I know the back story of mint director adams' and the collector who purchased her coin collection from her estate and only 30 years ago did anyone know how special these cents are. In trying to get to the bottom of what makes them so special, ie, what are the unique marks, imperfections, are they struck differently, was the prototype metal different than production metal?

I know the chances of me actually proving that this coin I got in change the other day are billions to one, im asking for some help in figuring this mystery out! Any additional help if greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Also forgot to clarify Eds comment of the amount of 1964's minted. That years minting was one of the lowest amounts ever produced, so wouldn't it stand to reason that with so little specimens in the wild, relatively speaking, the chance of this coin being an SMS isn't that astronomically absurd?

[robertk310]

Ed, thanks for those links! I guess the only true way to find out if my con is an actual SMS is to submit it for grading. Im going to try and take some better hi -res images of this coin and I'll upload the pictures so that everyone can give me their expert opinions. I've never had a coin that has taken so long to identify! It's kind of fun.

[GrumpyEd]

Also forgot to clarify Eds comment of the amount of 1964's minted. That years minting was one of the lowest amounts ever produced, so wouldn't it stand to reason that with so little specimens in the wild, relatively speaking, the chance of this coin being an SMS isn't that astronomically absurd?

I'm confused that you're saying that years minting was one of the lowest.
In 1964 they made about 2.7 billion P mint cents and about 3.8 billion D mint cents.
I think it was the record highest production year for both mints of any coin they ever produced in prior history.
It also might have been the record production of any coin in the history of earth up to that date.

[enamel7]

Yepper, that confused me also.

[Peter]

Not meaning to burst your enthusiasm but I don't see anything other then a regular 1964 coin here. Given that there are estimates of 24 to maybe 50 of these in existence the chances are about zero of finding one in the wild, especially since a majority are known where to be. See the PCGS link HERE.

An excellent image and description can be found HERE. Note the razor sharp strike and the allusion to the Memorial full steps. It appears to me that your stike is normal and not as defined, but perhaps this will give you a better reference to compare to what you have in hand. When you click on their photo it will get larger to view.

[jfines69]

I must agree with all here... There is no evidence by the pics of your coin that this would be from a SMS... It is up to you if you wish to send it off for verification... All we can do is give the best answers to the questions asked... If you do send it in please let us know what the determination is... We can all learn from the outcome!!!

[robertk310]

Ed,
Please disregard, my reply--it was late at night and I was in error! Apologies! -r

[robertk310]

This is exactly what I was hoping to see!!! Thank you very much Peter! -r

[Peter]

Glad it helped with the learning process. Research and reference material are key and it all adds to your knowledge.