1916 Lincoln Cent. Proof-65 RD (PCGS). CAC. An enchanting Gem example with blended patina of golden-tan and red-orange on both sides. Uniformly blanketed in coarse matte texture with an exceptionally sharp strike. Approval by CAC confirms the truly superior quality. Matte Proof Lincoln cents were struck in the first year of the series, 1909, through and including 1916, at which point Proof coinage stopped until 1936. Just 1,050 Proof cents were struck in 1916, the smallest tally of any of the early issues. With an extant population on the order of only 600 or so coins, any survivor from this issue is an important offering, At the Gem Red level, availability is extremely limited. Just 5 coins have been certified finer than this piece, making it an ideal candidate for an advanced Registry Set.
