The image at left is a comparison of the edges of a 1910 matte proof (left) next to a 1910 business strike (right) coin. The edge of a matte proof will always be flatter, smoother, and more reflective then its more rounded business strike counterpart. A matte proof will stand alone on its edge very easily. Further, the inside and outside edges of the rim, as seen in the images below with the matte proof on the left and the business strike on the right in each image, will be sharper and crisper. A matte proof will have its inside edge drop off more steeply and therefore the coin will exhibit less of an inside curved dish than a business strike. A matte proof may also have a slight fin on the far outside of the rim around the coin.

In general a matte proof coin will have the following surface and edge characteristics to help differentiate it from its business strike counterpart:
• More detail in the image and design elements.
• A surface matte appearance resulting from the blasting of the die surface. Wear and toning may result in this surface being lost.
• Flatter, smoother, and more reflective rims.
• Sharper and crisper edges on the outside and inside of the rim.
• Less dishing of the coin than for a business strike.

To be absolutely confident when authenticating a matte proof coin you must examine the die characteristics for that year as described below on the obverse and reverse for the 1910 matte proof.

There is one die pair known for 1910. On all die state coins there are several die scratches above the WE.

For late die states, as shown in the following images, there is a die gouge from the rim above the N in IN.

A die scratch above the D in GOD.

A die scratch above the first T in TRUST

Two parallel die scratches between the T and R of TRUST.

Heavy die scratch from the right side of the U above the S to the rim. A die scratch from the R through the U of TRUST could not be found.

A die gouge from the S of TRUST to the rim.

A die scratch from the bottom of the L of LIBERTY.

Two parallel die scratches between the I and the B of PLURIBUS. These are from a master reverse die used on matte proof Lincoln cents from 1910 to 1914.

Die scratch from the bottom of the U to the middle of the S of PLURIBUS.

The insides of both the top and bottom of the S of PLURIBUS have extra metal.

Die scratch through the middle of the U of UNUM.

Die scratch from the lower right leg of the M of UNUM in to the area above the E of ONE. This is from a master reverse die used on matte proof Lincoln cents from 1910 to 1914.

There is a notable die scratch inside the C of CENT but I can't identify which one it is in here.

A die scratch behind the C of CENT.