Is this coin a 1964 Lincoln SMS Special Strike?

[catfish1]

Went through a roll of my Dad's sealed BU 64 Lincolns and found this little beauty. Is it what I think it is or have I lost my mind?

[Maineman750]

Looks like a BU 64 to me....what makes you think SMS ?

[Magers]

I don't believe it's an SMS cent. The dies used to strike these coins produced so few that I don't think there would be such heavy abrasions. Also, the bottom of the memorial steps lack detail. What you seem to have is a nice example of a 1964 business strike cent.

[catfish1]

Yep, the bottom steps do lack detail. On the reverse, what struck me was the detail of the openings of the vases, the clarity of the scroll next to the initials, the orientation of Lincoln's legs and between and at the top of the pillars, the depth of those openings. I thought it odd the pillars appear squared rather than round and very smooth without a single vertical line. In my eye, the device and background appear extraordinarily smooth and polished. The bust on the obverse appears deeply struck with what I perceived was exemplary detail of the eye orbit, ear, nostril, lip and bow tie. Granted there are some dings but overall, the coin is exceedingly smooth.
With respect to the special strike, I have read the background, studied identifying characteristics and have compared photos. I have attached a photo from PCGS of a 1960D MS67+ Regular Strike. Compare the two (PCGS regular and the coin in question). Your opinion is appreciated. Overall, would you rate my coin higher or lower than the MS67+ Regular strike? I've also included photos of a PCGS MS67 Special.
The coin in question is sitting at PCGS waiting for the grade.

[Magers]

I've never sent a non proof memorial to PCGS. I believe this is a high grade coin, but I don't know about it hitting 67. The bag marks on the cheek and in the field in front of the bust won't get it there in my opinion.

Also, the clash in the upper area of bays 8&9 and the subsequent obverse abrasions are the reason I don't believe this is an SMS coin. I assume only one die was used to strike the two dozen or so examples of this issue. If there had been a clash it would almost certainly be used in identifying '64 SMS cents.

[catfish1]

The clash. Good point. Appreciate your eye. Thanks.

[jfines69]

Yep, the bottom steps do lack detail. On the reverse, what struck me was the detail of the openings of the vases, the clarity of the scroll next to the initials, the orientation of Lincoln's legs and between and at the top of the pillars, the depth of those openings. I thought it odd the pillars appear squared rather than round and very smooth without a single vertical line. In my eye, the device and background appear extraordinarily smooth and polished. The bust on the obverse appears deeply struck with what I perceived was exemplary detail of the eye orbit, ear, nostril, lip and bow tie. Granted there are some dings but overall, the coin is exceedingly smooth.
With respect to the special strike, I have read the background, studied identifying characteristics and have compared photos. I have attached a photo from PCGS of a 1960D MS67+ Regular Strike. Compare the two (PCGS regular and the coin in question). Your opinion is appreciated. Overall, would you rate my coin higher or lower than the MS67+ Regular strike? I've also included photos of a PCGS MS67 Special.
The coin in question is sitting at PCGS waiting for the grade.

Are the 2nd set of images of your coins??? If not it is best not to post images from others with out their permission due to copy wright issues... You can always post a link to the images!!!

[jfines69]

Welcome to the LCF... Nice looking coin and clash... Did you check to see if it is listed??? Here is a link to the Mad Die Clash web site http://www.maddieclashes.com/