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CoinWeek editor Charles Morgan takes a deep dive into the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, the coin that changed American numismatics forever.
Buoyed by the issue’s low mintage and coupled with the controversy surrounding the removal of the designer’s rather prominent initials on the coin’s reverse, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent has been the stuff of numismatic lore for more than a century.
But there’s much more to this coin than its status as a series key. Not only was the 1909-S VDB the coin that popularized collecting coins by mintmark, but it also broadened the appeal of the numismatic hobby to the general public – with the help of an enterprising inventor, whose penny boards gave Depression-era Americans holes to fill.
After it quickly became apparent that the 1909-S VDB was hard to find, the rush was on. Learn about how one Maryland dealer turned a $250 investment into a $43,750 payday. Also, find out how Brenner’s beloved design almost met an early end when President Theodore Roosevelt tapped one of America’s most accomplished artists to reinvent all of America’s coinage from soup to nuts.
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The reviews are in! Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker’s 100 Greatest Modern World Coins has gotten five-star reviews on Amazon and Lou Golino and David T. Alexander both gave the book their highest recommendations.
1974 was an interesting year in the annals of numismatic history. The country was putting the finishing touches on its planned Bicentennial celebrations. The United States Mint was gearing up to produce a range of commemorative coins and medals to mark the occasion. The year would also mark the final Blue and Brown Pack silver-clad Ike dollar issues and the Mint was hard at work contemplating the future of the country’s longest-serving denomination, the cent.
From 1971 to 1974, cent production increased dramatically, exacerbating a trend that began in the mid-1960s when the Mint transitioned from silver to clad coinage. Cent demand was so high by the late 1960s, that the Mint resumed production of circulating cent coinage at the San Fransico Assay Office in 1968. By 1974, demand for cents had gotten so high, that the Mint began to use the West Point Bullion Depository to strike cents as well. By the end of the year, West Point would contribute 128,957,523 cents toward Philadelphia’s reported mintage of 4,232,140,523. The West Point cents carry no mintmark and as far as we know, cannot be differentiated from coins struck at Philadelphia.
If original unopened mint bags of 1974 cents are ever located and can be traced to the facility, we would expect these coins to bring significant premiums over their Philadelphia Mint counterparts and that the third party certification industry would identify the coins as 1974 (W).
Complicating matters was a trend of volatility in the copper market.
Copper prices rose by 43% from 1969 to 1970, before erasing most of those gains by the start of ’71. From 1971 to ’74, however, copper prices rose year to year reaching almost 86 cents a pound at the start of ’74.
To address this issue, the Mint began to investigate ways to lower the cost of cent production, settling on a 96% aluminum alloy as a possible replacement to bronze.
In total, the Mint struck approximately 1.5 million 1974-dated aluminum cents at the end of 1973. On March 27, the coins were reviewed by the Consumer Affairs subcommittee of the House of Representatives. After extended deliberation and pressure from the vending industry, Congress rejected the aluminum alloy, but did, on October 11, authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to reduce the amount of copper in the cent. By the end of 1974, copper prices receded to an acceptable level and the bronze alloy remained in use through the remainder of the decade.
In 1982, the issue would be revisited and a new alloy made of copper-plated zinc would replace the bronze cent.
How Much is the 1974 Lincoln Cent Worth?
Uncirculated Brown or Muted Red (Red Brown) Philly business strikes in high Mint State (above MS-65) can sell for anywhere from $10 to $15. Unless these coins are spectacularly toned, these coins have no foreseeable upside and should be avoided as a sufficient number of vibrant red examples survive.
In full Mint State Red, MS65 examples have a value of between $10 and $20. The value of the 1974 Lincoln cent edges up by a few dollars in MS66 Red. Our expected value of a coin in this grade is between $20 and $30. These prices are more or less equivalent to the cost of submitting the coin for grading. 1974 cents have a larger premium in MS67 Red. One excellent example was sold in March 2020 at a David Lawrence Rare Coins online auction for $90.
PCGS and NGC report a combined population of just two coins in MS68 Red (one each). With no public data available, it is a fool’s errand to try to ascertain a price for either of these pieces. But at just half a grade down, in MS67+ Red, two recent Legend Rare Coin Auctions results of $911 each suggest that a top pop 1974 Lincoln cent would easily realize a price exceeding $1,000 at auction.
As for the value of the priceless 1974 Aluminum cent patterns? This is a question we are asked quite frequently at CoinWeek. It is nearly impossible to quantify how unlikely it is that an authentic example heretofore unknown by the numismatic community would turn up, but it is possible. Of the 1.5 million examples struck, 11 are believed to be outstanding, and of that 11 only two are known.
One is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution’sValue of Money Exhibit and is permanently impounded in the National Numismatic Collection, a donation of the United States Mint. The second example was discovered in 1973, reportedly by Albert Toven, a U.S. Capitol police officer. According to the story, the coin was dropped by a government official after a Congressional hearing on the efficacy of replacing the bronze alloy with an aluminum alloy. When Toven offered it back to the official, the official told Toven he could keep it.
This story has been published and repeated multiple times throughout the years but has all of the earmarks of a cover story. One told to “legalize” the private ownership of a pattern coin that was not officially released to the public. This example remains in private hands and was authenticated by PCGS in October 2005 and given the grade MS62. The value of this example likely exceeds six figures, but given its legally questionable status, a potential buyer would be advised to exercise caution when making an offer, or placing a bid as a protracted legal fight over the status of a privately-held 1974-D aluminum cent resulted in the coin being returned to the government.
Design
Obverse:
The obverse of the 1974 Lincoln cent was designed by Victor David Brenner and appears largely as it did when the type was first minted in 1909. The main difference on the 1974 obverse versus the 1909 version is the location of Brenners’ initials, V.D.B., which were added under Lincoln’s bust in 1918 after their removal from the reverse in late 1909. The date, 1974, appears to the right of Lincoln, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears above the president. On the left of the 16th president is the word LIBERTY.
Reverse:
Frank Gasparro designed the 1959 Lincoln Memorial reverse that replaced the original 1909 Brenner wheat stalk design. Gasparro’s initials FG appear on the lower-right side of the Lincoln Memorial. Below the edifice and along the rim are the words ONE CENT, while the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA run along the top half of the reverse along the rim. Between the top of the Lincoln Memorial and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscription is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Edge:
The edge of the 1974 Lincoln cent is plain or smooth, without reeding or lettering.
1974 Lincoln Cent Designers
Lithuanian-born coin designer Victor David Brenner is best known for his iconic design for the Lincoln cent (1909-Present) (View Designer’s Profile).
To collectors of U.S. coins, 1965 was an epoch in the history of the American monetary system. A coinage shortage and the rise of silver bullion prices begot a new clad composition for the dime and quarter, reduced the half dollar’s composition to silver billon, and doomed an effort to reintroduce the silver dollar.
But things were not quite so cut and dry as that and the United States Mint’s efforts to dissuade the American public from hoarding coins unfairly blamed collectors and tarnished the coin collecting hobby.
The Date Freeze
Under the direction of Mint Director Eva Adams, the U.S. mint continued to strike coins dated 1964 through 1966. This order…
Nickels, quarters, and half dollars dated 1964 were struck in large quantities in 1964 and 1965, and dimes were struck in large quantities in 1964, 1965, and 1966. In 1965, clad quarters and dimes entered production. Circulation quality 1965 silver-clad half dollars would not…
The Market for 1965 Cents
1965 cents continue to circulate, although typical pieces found in pocket change will by in conditions Very Fine and below. The occasional Extra Fine or About Uncirculated example will reveal itself, most likely after an old accumulation of cents is emptied from a large jar of coins and deposited at a bank or at a CoinStar machine.
In numismatic channels, it is not at all difficult to acquire an uncirculated 1965 cent as large numbers of coins were saved in rolls and bags over the years. Notionally, an uncirculated 1965 cent will cost about $1 to $1.50. Beware of Special Mint Set coins masquerading as business strikes. Professional dealers know the difference, but the person listing the coin online or selling at your local store may not have paid too close
PCGS CoinFacts posts a price guide value of $8,000 for the sole 1980 cent. This appears to be a speculative price as there is no auction data to support this price. Given the approximately graded population of seven MS67+ cents in the PCGS population report, we believe that the 1980 Lincoln Cent in MS68RD guide price of $8,000 is high.
Design
Obverse:
The obverse of the 1965 Lincoln cent was designed by Victor David Brenner and appears largely as it did when the type was first minted in 1909. The main difference between the 1965 obverse and the 1909 version is the location of Brenners’ initials, V.D.B., which were added under President Abraham Lincoln’s bust in 1918 after their removal from the reverse in late 1909. The date 1965 appears to the right of Lincoln (viewer’s right), and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears above the president. On the left of the central motif is the word LIBERTY.
Reverse:
Frank Gasparro designed the 1959 Lincoln Memorial reverse that replaced the original 1909 Brenner wheat stalk design (the Wheat Cent). Gasparro’s initials FG appear on the lower-right side of the Lincoln Memorial. Below the edifice and along the rim are the words ONE CENT, while the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA run along the top half of the reverse along the rim. Between the top of the Lincoln Memorial and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscription is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Edge:
The edge of the 1965 Lincoln Cent is smooth or plain and without reeding, as are all other Lincoln cents.
1965 Lincoln Cent Designer(s)
Lithuanian-born coin designer Victor David Brenner is best known for his iconic design for the Lincoln cent (1909-Present) (View Designer’s Profile). Frank Gasparro was an American medalist and coin designer (View Designer’s Profile).
To collectors of U.S. coins, 1965 was an epoch in the history of the American monetary system. A coinage shortage and the rise of silver bullion prices begot a new clad composition for the dime and quarter, reduced the half dollar’s composition to silver billon, and doomed an effort to reintroduce the silver dollar.
But things were not quite so cut and dry as that and the United States Mint’s efforts to dissuade the American public from hoarding coins unfairly blamed collectors and tarnished the coin collecting hobby.
The Mint Establishes a Date Freeze
Under the direction of Mint Director Eva Adams, the U.S. Mint continued to strike coins dated 1964 through 1966. This order…
Nickels, quarters, and half dollars dated 1964 were struck in large quantities in 1964 and 1965, and dimes were struck in large quantities in 1964, 1965, a
nd 1966. In 1965, clad quarters and dimes entered production. Circulation quality 1965 silver-clad half dollars would not…
How Much Is the 1965 Lincoln Cent Worth?
1965 cents continue to circulate, although typical pieces found in pocket change will by in conditions Very Fine and below. The occasional Extra Fine or About Uncirculated example will reveal itself, most likely after an old accumulation of cents is emptied from a large jar of coins and deposited at a bank or at a CoinStar machine.
In numismatic channels, it is not at all difficult to acquire an uncirculated 1965 cent as large numbers of coins were saved in rolls and bags over the years. Notionally, an uncirculated 1965 cent will cost about $1 to $1.50. Beware of Special Mint Set coins masquerading as business strikes. Professional dealers know the difference, but the person listing the coin online or selling at your local store may not have paid too close
PCGS CoinFacts posts a price guide value of $8,000 for the sole 1980 cent. This appears to be a speculative price as there is no auction data to support this price. Given the approximately graded population of seven MS67+ cents in the PCGS population report, we believe that the 1980 Lincoln Cent in MS68RD guide price of $8,000 is high.
Design
Obverse:
The obverse of the 1965 Lincoln cent was designed by Victor David Brenner and appears largely as it did when the type was first minted in 1909. The main difference between the 1965 obverse and the 1909 version is the location of Brenners’ initials, V.D.B., which were added under President Abraham Lincoln’s bust in 1918 after their removal from the reverse in late 1909. The date 1965 appears to the right of Lincoln (viewer’s right), and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears above the president. On the left of the central motif is the word LIBERTY.
Reverse:
Frank Gasparro designed the 1959 Lincoln Memorial reverse that replaced the original 1909 Brenner wheat stalk design (the Wheat Cent). Gasparro’s initials FG appear on the lower-right side of the Lincoln Memorial. Below the edifice and along the rim are the words ONE CENT, while the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA run along the top half of the reverse along the rim. Between the top of the Lincoln Memorial and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA inscription is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Edge:
The edge of the 1965 Lincoln Cent is plain or smooth, without reeding or edge lettering.
Designers
Lithuanian-born coin designer Victor David Brenner is best known for his iconic design for the Lincoln cent (1909-Present) (View Designer’s Profile). Frank Gasparro was an American medalist and coin designer (View Designer’s Profile).
By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) ……
Before 1922, the United States Mint struck huge numbers of Lincoln Cents each year. Production peaked in 1919, when the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints struck just under 589 million coins. However, the mintage plunged in 1922, when only the Denver Mint created 7.16 million coins.
The end of World War I sparked a painful nationwide recession that crushed demand for additional cents. In the August 1922 issue of The Numismatist, Mint Director F.E. Scobey stated:
There have been approximately $46 million worth of pennies coined since the Mint began in 1792. So, what’s the use of making more, when about the only nothings you can buy with a penny nowadays are lollypops?
Today, the cent buys far less, and the U.S. Mint still make billions of coins each year.
When Lincoln Cent production was stunted in 1922, the year created some of the most fascinating yet complicated issues of the series. Although much has been written about the different cents of 1922, the popularity and complexity of the issues deserves a brief examination. Collectors are sometimes confused about which pieces they need for their collection.
The following are some of the different variations of 1922 Lincoln Cents to consider.
1922-D Lincoln Cents
As would be expected due to its relatively low mintage, the 1922-D Lincoln Cent is scarce in all grades. Average circulated examples can be purchased for about $50 USD each. Higher-grade coins are somewhat available, especially if you’re satisfied with a coin that is brown or reddish brown in color. The finest graded have been two MS66 RD examples, neither of which have sold at public auction. Just 26 have been graded by NGC as MS65 RD, with the auction record being $2,790 for a coin sold in 2022. Most coins designated as 1922-D Lincoln Cents are well struck.
This brings into play the other interesting but complicated varieties of 1922 Lincoln Cents. Starting around 1928, letters in The Numismatist started to mention the observation of 1922 Lincoln Cents with missing or mushy ‘D’ mintmarks. Collectors could not agree on what they were seeing. During the 1950s, Whitman Publishing created demand for the 1922 Plain Cent when they added a hole in their albums for the coin. It was not until years later that researchers defined what different coins were created in 1922 at the Denver Mint. Modern research has defined the following varieties as collectible 1922 No D or Weak D Lincoln Cents.
1922 Weak D Lincoln Cents
The basic explanation for the No D or Weak D cents of 1922 is that die clashing created the need to abrasively polish the obverse die and this removed or obscured the ‘D’ mintmark. The coins designated as 1922 Weak D bring a relatively small premium. The NGC MS64 RB coin illustrated above sold for $660 in May 2023. As can be seen from the picture, the ‘D’ is barely visible.
1922 No D Weak Reverse
This die pairing was created from a very worn reverse die. The wheat ear lines are barely discernable. Although this variety has no trace of the ‘D’ mintmark, the weak reverse makes the coin less desirable for collectors. The MS63 RB example pictured above sold for $3,600 in June 2022. Fully red color examples are nearly nonexistent. NGC has only certified one example as such. Extremely Fine examples can be purchased for about $650. The 1922 No D Weak Reverse is the more affordable alternative for budget-minded collectors.
1922 No D Strong Reverse
This die pairing is by far the most desirable and the one collectors consider as the “true” 1922 Plain Cent. The ‘D’ mintmark is completely missing, and the reverse is well struck. The 1922 No D Strong Reverse sells for around $750 in Very Fine condition, but even in low grade, problem-free coins are not easy to locate. The 1922 No D Strong Reverse is increasingly rare in high grade and Mint State coins are seldom seen or available.
The MS64 RB example pictured above sold for $37,375 in June 2010. This variety is virtually unknown with full red color remaining — none have been certified by NGC. Amazingly, a Mint State 1922-D Lincoln Cent can be purchased for about $125. The same coin without the ‘D’ mintmark sells for nearly $10,000. Knowing exactly the different varieties available for the issue is imperative.
Words of Caution
Beware of cleverly crafted counterfeit examples of 1922 Lincoln Cents. Removing the ‘D’ mintmark is simple work for skilled counterfeiters. Buying certified examples, regardless of grade, is highly recommended.
Sadly, collectors should also be careful of well-made Chinese fakes of this issue. Be careful when buying this or any Lincoln Cent that has been certified as “Red Brown” or “Red”. Color on Lincoln Cents can sometimes fade over time and is NOT guaranteed long-term by any grading service.
Heritage Auctions is offering The Stephenville Collection, a collection that spans many different U.S. coin series, over the coming months. Prior auctions featured Seated Liberty and Barber coinage, Bust half dollars, Morgan silver dollars, and a number of coins certified with Gold stickers from CAC. The November 2023 sale of the Stephenville Collection will feature a near-complete selection of Lincoln cents through 2022–including Registry Set coins, Proofs, and a large number of Cherrypickers’ varieties. All coins in this offering have been graded by PCGS. Bidding is open now, with a live session to be held on Monday, November 6, at 5:00 PM CT (6:00 PM ET).
One standout condition rarity among the higlights of the Stephenville Collection of Lincoln cents is a Superb Gem 1915-D cent. Collectors will probably have very little trouble finding a specimen of the 1915-D in MS64 or MS65 with Red surfaces, and even Premium Gems are offered every year. But Superb Gems with the Red designation are challenging condition rarities. PCGS has graded four pieces (including the cent offered here) in MS67 Red, with none finer, while NGC has certified just one example in MS67 Red, with none finer. This Superb Gem offers impeccably preserved original red surfaces, with vibrant mint luster and great eye appeal. The design motifs are sharply detailed throughout.
What Is a 1943 Steel Cent and Why Were They Made? The 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent was the result of the United States Mint’s efforts to conserve strategically important metals during World War II by replacing the copper used in cent production with zinc-plated steel. The appearance of these steel cents is markedly different from […]
What Is a 1943 Steel Cent and Why Were They Made? The 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent was the result of the United States Mint’s efforts to conserve strategically important metals during World War II by replacing the copper used in cent production with zinc-plated steel. The appearance of these steel cents is markedly different from […]
What Is a 1943 Steel Cent and Why Were They Made? The 1943 Lincoln Steel Cent was the result of the United States Mint’s efforts to conserve strategically important metals during World War II by replacing the copper used in cent production with zinc-plated steel. The appearance of these steel cents is markedly different from […]
The Lincoln Wheat Cent – A Coin Collecting Classic The Lincoln Wheat cent has been a favorite of collectors for many years. Part of the appeal is the fact that it is first circulating U.S. coin to feature the likeness of a real person – that person being the 16th President of the United States […]
What is the Lincoln Memorial Cent? The Lincoln Memorial cent was first issued in 1959. It was the second reverse design used in the Lincoln cent series, which was introduced originally in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of 16th president Abraham Lincoln. The 150th anniversary of that event occasioned another design […]
Why were 10,000,000 Lincoln Cents Distributed in Boxes of Cheerios? As part of an innovative major PR campaign, in 2000, the United States Mint teamed up with processed food manufacturer General Mills. In addition to the millions of dollars spent on TV ads and other activities, the Mint delivered 10 million Lincoln cents and 5,500 […]
By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek ….. Never say never. 1943 Copper Pennies (officially, 1943 copper cents) have been found in cafeterias, gum ball machines, and circulating in change. One was even held privately by a Mint Chief Engraver. Another is said to have been spirited out by a Denver Mint […]
By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek ….. 1943 Copper Pennies (officially, 1943 copper cents) have been found in cafeterias, gum ball machines, and circulating in change. One was even held privately by a Mint Chief Engraver. Another is said to have been spirited out by a Denver Mint employee. Regardless of how they […]
By CoinWeek ….. Lincoln cents, the most popularly collected of all coins produced by the United States, will mark their 115th year of production in 2024. Once a rite of passage for generations of coin collectors, building a complete set of the series has become increasingly difficult in recent years. From million-dollar rarities to the […]
By CoinWeek …. Among the many rare coins issued in the 20th century by the United States Mint, the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent stands out as the one of the greatest. Not because it is the rarest, but because no other coin has captivated as wide a swath of American pocket change collectors. The release […]
The 1909-S Lincoln V.D.B. cent is one of the most coveted 20th-century United States coins. One of the finest examples of it is currently being offered at GreatCollections, with a hammer time of Sunday, July 16, 2023, 4:16:18 pm Pacific (7:16 pm Eastern). The story behind the discontinuation of the coin’s production is part of […]
2003 Lincoln Cent Background The 2003 Lincoln cent was issued against the backdrop of many calling for the denomination’s elimination and represented one of the better-struck issues bearing the Lincoln Memorial reverse. Cents had been struck on copper-plated zinc planchets since 1982, earning the coins the moniker “Zincoln”. Their composition, adopted to cut production costs, […]
Description The 1969-S Lincoln Memorial cent is collected by many people for many reasons. Among Lincoln cent enthusiasts, the coin is, at the very least, coveted for its merits as a business-strike and Proof issue produced by the San Francisco Mint and serves as a necessary addition to a date-and-mintmark series collection. For die variety […]
By Charles Morgan for CoinWeek ….. Although there have been several significant Lincoln cent collections assembled and disassembled over the last few decades, two collections represented the height of the marketplace for the series. The first was the Joshua and Ally Walsh Collection. The January 2006 Heritage Auctions sale of this collection set many records, […]
By Charles Morgan for CoinWeek ….. Although there have been several significant Lincoln cent collections assembled and disassembled over the last few decades, two collections represented the height of the marketplace for the series. The first was the Joshua and Ally Walsh Collection. The January 2006 Heritage Auctions sale of this collection set many records, […]
By Charles Morgan for CoinWeek ….. Although there have been several significant Lincoln cent collections assembled and disassembled over the last few decades, two collections represented the height of the marketplace for the series. The first was the Joshua and Ally Walsh Collection. The January 2006 Heritage Auctions sale of this collection set many records, […]
Sunday Auction 1269 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is live and features over 600 total lots. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a popular 1914-D 1c PCGS MS64 RD; a key date rarity 1916-D 10c PCGS MS65 FB; a lovely branch mint 1840-D $2 […]
* * * You are looking at a 1914-D Lincoln cent. Can you guess the grade? But first. Last week, we took a look at an 1856 gold dollar with an “upright 5” from the Deadwood Collection. If you guessed MS62, you are correct. Today, let’s look at the 1914-D. Just over one million […]
The superb quality of the 1916 Lincoln cent is well known amongst enthusiasts. New hubs had been prepared for the 1916 issue, and many of the resulting coins resemble Proof strikes and have squared rims. The current example being offered by GreatCollections.com, encapsulated in a Secure Shield holder, is the sole MS-68 Red (RD) so […]
* * * We didn’t know what to expect when we purchased an original roll of 1958-D Lincoln cents for $15 from a local coin shop. 1958 marked the final year of production for the Wheat Reverse Lincoln cent–or just plain Wheat cent–one of the most collected coin types in the United States. The […]
Lincoln Cent Description Lincoln cents were in short supply as the United States entered its second year of war in Europe. Increased wartime economic activity drove up demand for circulating coinage, resulting in larger mintages. The more than 288 million cents produced at the Philadelphia Mint in 1918–the largest mintage in the series up to […]
By Shawn Tew ….. A case study undertaken both by myself, Shawn Tew (Michigan), and fellow numismatic researcher Chris Welch (Oregon) has resulted in the conclusion that there were two separate galvanos and that four different master hubs were created for the 1909 transitional year between the end of the Indian Head cent and the […]
By Jack D. Young, Early American Coppers (EAC) …… Again, from my year-end review and organization of my archive folders and images comes another installment in this series! And as always, I will start with the certified “Dark Corner” example: a 1909-S VDB, one of the most cherished of Lincoln cents: This example first reared […]
By Bullion Shark LLC …… Though they aren’t worth much on their faces, pennies are some of the most fun coins to chase as a collector. That said, there’s a big difference between common pennies that might not be worth your time and those with historical and collectible value. Wheat cents (or wheat pennies as […]
By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek ….. #1. David Rittenhouse (April 1792 – June 1795) The term “polymath” is usually employed to describe the United States Mint’s first director, David Rittenhouse. He was a mathematician, a philosopher, an astronomer, a surveyor, a master clock maker, and a patriot. At all but the […]
When the production of Proof coins resumed after an eight-year hiatus at the Philadelphia Mint ended in 1950, mintages initially remained quite limited. But in 1957, the United States Mint issued over one million Proof Sets for the first time in its history. Continuing this trend, the 1961 issuance crept above three million for the […]
When the production of Proof coins resumed after an eight-year hiatus at the Philadelphia Mint ended in 1950, mintages initially remained quite limited. But in 1957, the United States Mint issued over one million Proof Sets for the first time in its history. Continuing this trend, the 1961 issuance crept above three million for the […]
By Mike Byers for Mint Error News …… 1972 Eisenhower Dollar Overstruck by 1972 Cent Dies PCGS MS 63 UNIQUE * * * This is a spectacular and unique Mint State Eisenhower dollar that was overstruck twice by 1972 Lincoln cent dies. A struck Eisenhower dollar was intentionally placed underneath two adjacent Lincoln cent die […]
The Philadelphia Mint struck over 5.5 billion Lincoln cents in 1978, consuming 765,914.1 pounds or 157,583.8 metric tonnes of copper. It should be noted, however, that the West Point facility did strike roughly 1.5 billion of these coins and there is no way to distinguish between the two mintages. Combined, this represented only 56.5 of […]
Biding is now live on Greatcollections.com for a handsome example of the famous 1943 Copper Penny error, graded as AU 50 BN by PCGS and earning a blue CAC sticker. Interested collectors should note this is a rare opportunity to acquire such a numismatically important coin. Bidding ends Sunday, November 13, 2022, at 4:12:20 PM […]
By Mike Byers for Mint Error News …… 1973-S Proof Ike Dollar Mated Pair Ike Dollar Struck on a 1¢ Planchet mated with an Ike Dollar Indented by a 1¢ Planchet PCGS PR67 & PR67RB This unique discovery is the only known mated off-metal and indented pair on any United States Proof coin. This […]
Sunday Auction #1242 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features over 600 total lots – including more than 50 No Reserve lots and over 20 Vault Values. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a famous key date 1913-S 25c PCGS/CAC VF20; […]
1925 represented a 31% drop in output from the previous year’s total production at the Philadelphia Mint. Despite producing a fraction of the previous year’s coinage, demand for the cent remained quite high. While continuing to strike coins, the Philadelphia Mint installed two new automatic weighing machines in 1925 to help increase production speed. As […]
Counterfeit 1922 No D Lincoln cent By Max Spiegel – Numismatic Guaranty Corporation …… The 1922 No D Lincoln cent has long been popular with counterfeiters but rarely do they go to the trouble of making dies. As a well-known rarity, the 1922 No D Lincoln cent has been the target of counterfeiters for decades. […]
Counterfeit 1922 No D Lincoln cent By Max Spiegel – Numismatic Guaranty Corporation …… The 1922 No D Lincoln cent has long been popular with counterfeiters but rarely do they go to the trouble of making dies. As a well-known rarity, the 1922 No D Lincoln cent has been the target of counterfeiters […]
By Steven Cochran for Gainesville Coins …… In 2009, the United States Mint marked the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth with a four-coin series of circulating commemorative cents. Known as the “Lincoln Bicentennial” series, the program consisted of four different reverse designs marking major milestones in Lincoln’s life. The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Designs The […]
On Sunday, September 11, GreatCollections.com offered a very interesting lot consisting of a 2000-P Sacagawea Cheerios Dollar graded MS 68 PCGS and a Cheerios Lincoln Cent graded MS 65 – along with the original Card of Issue. With a limited number of sets distributed, it was an unusual opportunity to purchase a rare pattern type. […]
By Bullion Shark LLC …… Modern Proof coins that were struck at the San Francisco Mint, as most Proof coinage has been since 1968, normally bear an “S” mint mark. A small number of these coins have surfaced over the years that lack the mint mark, and they are among the greatest rarities of modern […]
Despite the Bicentennial Coin Program that resulted in the redesigning of half the United States circulating denominations, the Lincoln cent remained unchanged. While the Philadelphia Mint reported an official mintage of 4,674,292,426 Lincoln cents for 1976, this is slightly deceiving. In fact, as stated in the Annual Report of the Director of the Mint for […]
“Duke of Carson City Coins” among most important in all of U.S. numismatics A passion can be sparked by any number of factors. In the case of renowned U.S. coins collector Tom Bender, a call to his brothers renewed his interest in a hobby handed down from his father. “I started collecting coins as a […]
As part of their sale of the Red Copper Collection, GreatCollections is offering collectors the opportunity to bid on an outstanding top population 1951 Deep Cameo Proof Lincoln Cent graded as PR67 DCAM by PCGS. As the highest grade for the type, this coin is a true rarity. As so much more than a placeholder, […]
GreatCollections is offering collectors an opportunity to bid on a beautiful 1957 Proof Lincoln cent graded as PR67 RD DCAM by PCGS. With only two examples of a higher grade, this rarity would make a great addition to any collection of Proof Lincoln cents. Collectors should be aware that bidding on this high-grade Proof coin […]
By Blanchard & Company …… How do you run a successful business? You make sure that costs don’t exceed revenues. However, in a 2014 biennial report to Congress, the United States Mint explained that it takes 8.04 cents to make a nickel and 1.66 cents to make a penny. This imbalance between manufacturing costs and face […]
For the past 20 years, the “Red Copper Collection” has won almost all of the top Registry Set awards for Lincoln Cents. The famed collection was carefully put together one coin at a time over the past 50 years by an advanced East Coast collector. But now other collectors have the opportunity to own part […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… Lincoln cent enthusiasts can reel off the “Big Four” key dates for their favorite series with little hesitation: 1909-S, 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1931-S. That rare quartet omits the next three big dates on many Lincoln lovers’ minds, which include the 1922 No D Strong Reverse, the 1943 Bronze, […]
At the height of the Great Depression and resulting from the dramatic decline in the public’s demand for coins, the Denver Mint’s operations nearly ground to a halt. This resulted in an 88.8% drop in mintage figures for the Lincoln Cent, from over 40 million pieces to almost 4.5 million coins. Adding to this initial […]
As part of their current auction of the Edgemont Collection of Lincoln cents, GreatCollections is offering collectors the exciting opportunity to win a 1914-S Lincoln cent graded as MS 65 RD by PCGS with a CAC certification. Nearly 25 years ago this high-grade, semi-key date piece was placed in a 3.1 gen OGH holder. Bidding […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for Gainesville Coins …… Most steel pennies are worth between 20 cents and 20 dollars. Prices for 1943 penny error coins, like the 1943-D doubled mintmark variety, can reach several hundred dollars. There are few vintage coins as widely collected as the 1943 steel Lincoln penny. This applies within and even beyond […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… Modern Proof coins have thrown many intriguing curveballs toward collectors over the years, with some of the most confusing examples spinning out of the 1981 Proof Set issued by the United States Mint. The 1981 Proof Set marked the end of more than just the Susan B. Anthony dollar, […]
Hindsight is 20/20, and despite the Great Depression looming right around the corner, it was business as usual at the United States Mint in 1929. In fact, that year the Philadelphia facility struck 185,262,000 cents coins alone, and when combined with the other mint facilities, the mintage topped 277 million pieces. This was the largest […]
By Tom DeLorey …… About 45 years ago, collector Del Romines came into my office at Coin World’s “Collectors Clearinghouse” with two well-worn 1943-P nickels that he thought were 1943/2-P overdates. I thought that he might be right, so I took pictures of his coins, published them, and asked if anybody had a higher-grade specimen […]
By Bullion Shark LLC …… Today, the United States Mint is the largest producer of coins in the world, striking billions of circulating coins, millions of bullion coins in four metals, and various commemorative coins and special issues. There are even circulation-quality coins not made for circulation and sold to collectors, like the American Innovation […]
By Mike Byers for Mint Error News …… 1942-S Wartime Lincoln Cent Struck on a Bronze Planchet NGC MS 62 Brown Unique Discovery Coin This is a fascinating 1942-S Lincoln cent that was struck on a 2.5-gram bronze planchet with a composition of 95% copper, 4% zinc, and 1% tin. After examining this unique […]
Sunday Auction #1215 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features over 600 total lots – including more than 20 Vault Values, over 250 No Reserve Lots, and nearly 55 Washington Quarters recently deaccessioned from the D.L. Hansen Collection. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this […]
Collectors should note that a near-perfect Deep Cameo Proof 1970-S Lincoln cent, certified PR-69 RD by PCGS with a US bunting flag label, is currently being auctioned by GreatCollections. At the time of publication, the highest of 71 bids stands at $3,303.00 USD. This lot has been viewed 406 times, and 32 GC members are […]
Demand for domestic coinage continued to grow in 1936 and the United States Mint responded by adding shifts and ramping up production. In Philadelphia, cent production was higher than it had been at any time since 1920. In total, 309,632,000 pieces were struck, all from blanks that were manufactured in-house. This production level largely satisfied […]
1967 marked the beginning of a return to normalcy for the United States Mint. The Coinage Act of 1965 radically recalibrated American coinage, dropping the 90% silver standard in favor of base metal dimes and quarters and a 40% silver-clad alloy for halves. As legislators and bureaucrats sought to remedy the ongoing national coin shortage, […]
While still a fledgling design, the Philadelphia Mint struck nearly 50% more 1910 Lincoln cents than in 1909 or 1910. In fact, it was the largest single issuance of Lincoln cents by the Philadelphia Mint until 1917. With a mintage of 146,801,218 pieces, this coin is easily obtainable in both general circulated and Mint State […]
GreatCollections.com is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the most famous US error coins. Bidding on the famous 1943 Lincoln “Gumball” Copper cent, graded as AU50 BN by PCGS, ends on Sunday, January 30. The current highest bid (as of the time of publication of this article) is $192,500 USD […]
GreatCollections.com is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the most famous US error coins. Bidding on the famous 1943 Lincoln “Gumball” Copper cent, graded as AU50 BN by PCGS, ends on Sunday, January 30. The current highest bid (as of the time of publication of this article) is $192,500 USD […]
By CoinWeek …. For any first-year-of-issue Lincoln cent from the San Francisco Mint, it is hard to escape the shadow of the V.D.B. type on which the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, placed his initials at the bottom of the reverse. And coin collectors have until Sunday, January 2, to take advantage of the offering […]
By CoinWeek ….. A brilliantly “target toned” 1953-S Lincoln cent certified MS-65 BN by NGC with a green CAC sticker is being auctioned by GreatCollections. At the time of publication, the high bid stands at $1,150.88 USD, underscoring the premiums some collectors are willing to pay for remarkable toning. Struck towards the end of circulating […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… You may have noticed it’s getting harder to find bronze Lincoln Memorial cents in circulation these days. In the last few years, they’ve been getting notably scarcer in circulation. A lot of folks want to know why – especially given that Lincoln cents don’t see as many transactions in […]
By Peter van Alfen for American Numismatic Society (ANS) …… After a hiatus of a dozen years, this last Friday and Saturday (17–18 September) saw the resumption of the Coinage of the Americas Conference (COAC) series at the American Numismatic Society (ANS). Since the mid-1980s, COACs have been one of the leading venues for the […]
Description: The 1969-S Lincoln Memorial cent is collected by many people for many reasons. Among Lincoln cent enthusiasts, the coin is, at the very least, coveted for its merits as a business-strike and Proof issue produced by the San Francisco Mint and serves as a necessary addition to a date-and-mintmark series collection. For die variety […]
Description The Lincoln cent is the United States’ longest-serving coin. Its 1909 debut marked the centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, and its elegant sculptural design served as the vanguard of a new wave of American coin art. And while the golden era of American coin design is most associated with medallic artist and […]
Description Lincoln cents were in short supply as the United States entered its second year of war in Europe. Increased wartime economic activity drove up demand for circulating coinage, resulting in larger mintages. The more than 288 million cents produced at the Philadelphia Mint in 1918–the largest mintage in the series up to that point–were […]
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has certified one of the finest examples of the famed 1943 Bronze Cent, an elusive mint error highly prized by coin collectors. The coin was submitted by Dave & Adam’s Card World, a powerhouse in the world of collectible sports cards. In order to save copper for the war effort […]
By Mike Byers for Mint Error News …… Although there are U.S. coins that are two-headed (struck by two obverse dies), two-tailed (struck by two reverse dies) and muled (struck by two different denominations), this is a unique mated two-headed Lincoln cent pair struck by two U.S. cent obverse dies. The United States Mint in […]
By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, April 18, bidding ends at GreatCollections.com for this S Over Horizontal S 1909-S Lincoln Cent, graded MS-67 RD by PCGS and approved by CAC as strong for the grade. It is also housed in a gold shield holder. When it comes to the 1909-S penny, it is hard to escape […]
By Chris Bulfinch for CoinWeek ….. Lincoln Wheat cents turn up in pocket change, the effects of loved ones, and in rolls of cents tucked away in drawers. Struck by the unfamiliar reverse design and age, many who come across these coins start Googling, only to find a deluge of jargon-laden auction listings, price estimates, […]
By Chris Bulfinch for CoinWeek ….. Lincoln Wheat cents turn up in pocket change, the effects of loved ones, and in rolls of cents tucked away in drawers. Struck by the unfamiliar reverse design and age, many who come across these coins start Googling, only to find a deluge of jargon-laden auction listings, price […]
By CoinWeek …. In this episode of CoinWeek Streaming News, CoinWeek Editor Charles Morgan cracks open a bag of over 150 mixed date small cents he’d just bought on eBay. Usually, this is a bad idea; can you trust that an “unsearched” bag you’re purchasing over the internet is really unsearched? And what dealer (even […]
By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, March 21, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this toned 1943-S Steel Lincoln Cent, graded MS-66 by PCGS and approved by CAC. Among Lincoln Wheat cents, the steel cents of 1943 are some of the most well-known pennies to even the general public. At the height of World War II, the […]
CoinWeek Podcast #151: Collecting Modern U.S. Coins From Change Mobile phone users. Stream this podcast for free by downloading the podomatic app or subscribe to the CoinWeek Podcast on iTunes. Charles Morgan and Chris Bulfinch start off this episode of the CoinWeek Podcast with a discussion of the quick sellout of the 2021-W American Silver Eagle Proof […]
1980 was an inflection point in the history of the cent. The juxtapenultimate date struck from the majority-copper alloy in use since the early 1960s, 1980 Lincoln cents were struck and issued against a backdrop of uncertainty about the denomination, as successive administrations tested new compositions and pondered its elimination. The coins themselves are not […]
Background The 2003 Lincoln cent was issued against the backdrop of many calling for the denomination’s elimination and represented one of the better-struck issues bearing the Lincoln Memorial reverse. Cents had been struck on copper-plated zinc planchets since 1982, earning the coins the moniker “Zincoln”. Their composition, adopted to cut production costs, provided only a […]
Description In the lead-up to the passage of the Coinage Act of 1965, speculators and coin collectors drew the ire of the Mint, the Treasury, and many members of Congress who thought that the bustling coin hobby was to blame for the national coin shortage. Anybody who has studied a Red Book will understand that […]
Description As David Lange writes in his excellent CoinWeek article, 1960 was a pivotal year for coin collecting in America. Rare coins, the traditional backbone of the hobby, continued to thrive, with many historic collections being built – some publicly, some privately. But the real buzz encircling the coin hobby centered on modern U.S. Mint […]
By Bullion Shark LLC …… While each series of United States cent (or penny) has its own key coins based on mintages and the number of surviving coins, the most valuable pennies ever sold is a different group of coins that takes into account other factors like market conditions, demand, and the coin’s role in […]
By Bullion Shark LLC …… As collectors of U.S. coins are well aware, in 1943 during World War II, the United States Mint struck zinc-coated steel pennies to help conserve copper and tin needed for armaments for American troops fighting in Europe and Japan. Authorized by a 1942 law that temporarily changed the composition of […]
Over the past 50 years, an individual from San Francisco accumulated thousands of Lincoln cents from change, friends, and by searching rolls. He never found anything of note, and finally the day came to sell the collection. He obtained several quotes from local coin shops and ended up selling the whole collection for a few […]
Description 1974 was an interesting year in the annals of numismatic history. The country was putting the finishing touches on its planned Bicentennial celebrations. The United States Mint was gearing up to produce a range of commemorative coins and medals to mark the occasion. The year would also mark the final Blue and Brown Pack […]
By Dr. Richard S. Appel – UniqueRareCoins.com …… The 1963-64 period witnessed a price explosion for uncirculated rolls of U.S. coins that has yet to be duplicated. Numerous rolls of cents through half dollars rose in price from near face value in the mid-1950s to many multiples of those levels just a few years later. […]
By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… The Bronze 1943 Lincoln cent is perhaps the most famous Mint Error to ever emerge from the United States Mint. Just about 20 distinct examples are known from the Philadelphia Mint and they are highly prized at all grade levels. When the U.S. mints switched […]
CoinWeek Streaming News is brought to you by NGC. For information about NGC’s current grading specials and services, as well as to look up certs, pricing information, and current populations, visit www.ngccoin.com. * * * CoinWeek editor Charles Morgan takes a deep dive into the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, the coin that changed American numismatics forever. Buoyed […]
By Bullion Shark LLC …… The year 1943 found the United States getting more deeply involved in World War II with overseas deployments. At home, there was the completion of the Pentagon building in Virginia, and air raid practices at night, and rationing of food and gasoline. Driven largely by the ramp-up in industrial and […]
By Bullion Shark LLC …… The Lincoln cent has been issued continuously since 1909, longer than any other coin currently produced by the United States. It has seen three different reverse subtypes during that period while retaining the same obverse (apart from slight modifications) and it is a coin that has long appealed to both […]
By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… As a well-produced issue from the first decade of the series, the 1916 Lincoln cent is among the most popular representatives for both type collectors and small cent specialists. With a mintage of 131.8 million pieces, the 1916 cent represents a transition between the lower […]
By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, August 23, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1944-D/S Lincoln cent, graded MS-67 RD by PCGS and approved by CAC. Almost 431 million Lincoln cents were struck in 1944 at the Denver Mint, and out of that number thousands of repunched, overstruck (D/S) mint marks are known to have made […]
By almost any evaluation the 1955 Doubled Die cent is the most famous die error in the Lincoln cent series. The date and all obverse lettering are dramatically doubled
By almost any evaluation the 1955 Doubled Die cent is the most famous die error in the Lincoln cent series. The date and all obverse lettering are dramatically doubled
By Stack’s Bowers …… None Finer at Either PCGS or CAC 1913 Lincoln Cent. Proof-67+ RB (PCGS). CAC. This is a magnificent survivor from the coveted Matte Proof series of the early 20th century, struck from 1909 through 1916. Each side of this Superb Gem glows with a blend of golden and tangerine hues, […]
1914-d Lincoln Cent By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, July 19, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1914-D Lincoln cent, graded MS-65+ RD by PCGS. Having one of the lowest mintages of the “Wheat Penny” era (the third lowest, to be precise, behind only the 1931-S and the iconic 1909-S VDB), the 1914-D would naturally be […]
By Stack’s Bowers …… Top Pop 1913-S Lincoln Cent – Finest RB Seen at PCGS or CAC MS-66 RB (PCGS). CAC. Attractive and impressively preserved, this Gem is overwhelmingly dominated by the original Mint Red color. The surfaces are toned in rich apricot and pinkish hues, with just a touch of sapphire-blue iridescence across […]
Description The Lincoln cent is the United States’ longest-serving coin. Its 1909 debut marked the centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, and its elegant sculptural design served as the vanguard of a new wave of American coin art. But while the golden age of American coin design is most associated with medallic artist and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, it is […]
By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for PCGS …… [Editor’s note: This column originally appeared in the PCGS E-Zine newsletter on November 6, 2012 and has been updated to its current form. —CoinWeek] Prelude to War On January 12, 1848, a 39-year-old Whig congressman from Illinois named Abraham Lincoln took to the House floor and […]
The Only 1974 Aluminum Cent That Can Be Privately Owned The 1974 aluminum cent is world famous. Proposed in 1973 and struck in 1974, it was never released into circulation. The United States Mint distributed several to members of Congress, but they were recalled by Mint Director Mary Brooks and destroyed. One example struck […]
By Bullion Shark LLC …… In the history of American numismatics, there are few coins that are more popular or well-known — even outside the numismatic community – than the 1943 Lincoln steel pennies. These zinc-coated steel cents are numismatic icons that any collector can afford. 1.1 billion of them were struck, including 685 million […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… Lincoln cent collectors new and seasoned alike know the three ubiquitous letters of their specialty. These are the letters “VDB”, which boldly appear on the reverse of the scarce 1909 VDB and rare 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents and the obverse of all Lincoln cents made since 1918. For many, […]
By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, May 3, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1923-S Lincoln cent graded MS-65+ RD by PCGS. It is pedigreed to the Fairfax Collection of United States Coins, though this is not featured on the holder. While not one of the absolute lowest mintages coming out of San Francisco, a relatively […]
Description The Lincoln cent is the United States’ longest-serving coin. Its 1909 debut marked the centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and its elegant sculptural design served as the vanguard of a new wave of American coin art. But while the golden age of American coin design is most associated with medallic artist and […]
By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, April 5, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1910 Lincoln Proof cent, graded PR-67 RD by PCGS and approved by CAC. Of the scarce Matte Proofs issued from 1909 through 1916, the 1910 has the highest official mintage at 4,118 (all the rest are under 3,000 to lesser and greater […]
On March 20, Stack’s Bowers Galleries will conduct the seventh session of sales of the historic collection of D. Brent Pogue. In this streaming segment, CoinWeek editor Charles Morgan breaks down some of his favorite 20th-century coins from the sale. Discussed in this stream: Lot 7015: 1919 Lincoln Cent. MS-68 RD (PCGS). Lot 7019: […]
The story of the 1916-D Lincoln cent, which claims a mintage approaching 36 million coins, mirrors those of its contemporaries. The issue can be found without trouble through grades as high as MS64 Red, though many pieces are spotted or struck from excessively worn dies, displaying soft detail. Nonetheless, even Gem Red coins are accessible, […]
By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, March 1, bidding ended on GreatCollections.com for this 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent, graded MS-65+ RD by PCGS and approved by CAC. After 53 bids, the lucky new owner or owners of the finest known fully red specimen certified by PCGS paid $111,000 USD ($124,875 with Buyer’s Premium) for […]
By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, March 1, bidding ended on GreatCollections.com for this 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent, graded MS-65+ RD by PCGS and approved by CAC. After 53 bids, the lucky new owner or owners of the finest known fully red specimen certified by PCGS paid $111,000 USD ($124,875 with Buyer’s Premium) for […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… There are few 20th-century coins as popular with numismatists and non-numismatists alike as 1943 Lincoln Steel cents. Struck as an emergency measure to help save copper for ammunition shells to be used by Allied Forces during World War II, 1943 Lincoln Steel cents are a product of war-era rationing […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… The Lincoln cent is one of the most popular United States series, and over its century-plus run that began in 1909 it has spawned a multitude of exciting varieties. Among the rarest breed of these are doubled dies, and many collectors know the most popular pieces by heart, including […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… It’s perhaps hard to believe that 10 years have already passed since the first Lincoln Union Shield cent emerged in 2010. It came about as the fifth and final reverse redesign in fewer than 13 months following 2009’s successful four-coin circulating commemorative program showcasing Abraham Lincoln’s colorful life from […]
By David W. Lange for CoinWeek ….. There are a handful of events that have brought the hobby of collecting coins front and center in America’s consciousness. Perhaps the first was the discontinuance of large cents in 1857 that set people scrambling to find one of every date while they lasted. Another was the debut […]
Description The Lincoln cent is the United States’ longest-serving coin. Its 1909 debut marked the centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and its elegant sculptural design served as the vanguard of a new wave of American coin art. But while the golden age of American coin design is most associated with medallic artist and […]
The 1943 Donald Lutes bronze cent, at left above, and the 1943-S Kenneth S. Wing bronze cent. The ultra-rare NGC-certified Lutes and Wing 1943 Bronze Cents each recently realized more than $200,000 and received wide media coverage Two of the rarest and most famous US coins have been brought together under a single owner. The […]
By Lianna Spurrier for CoinWeek ….. Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency Auction 34 will be held on September 26 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada. This auction will contain a wide array of US coins, including THE TYPE SET, assembled by Oliver Jung; The Hanover Collection of Lincoln cent varieties; and the Meridian Collection […]
By Louis Golino
Thomas Uram began collecting coins in 1971 and joined the ANA as a junior member in 1974. In addition to having been a collector for almost a half-century and an award-winning exhibitor and certified award judge at many coin shows, Tom is a key leader within the numismatic community involved in several of the leading organizations
By Louis Golino
Thomas Uram began collecting coins in 1971 and joined the ANA as a junior member in 1974. In addition to having been a collector for almost a half-century and an award-winning exhibitor and certified award judge at many coin shows, Tom is a key leader within the numismatic community involved in several of the leading organizations
Lincoln Wheat Cent By CoinWeek …. Later this week on Sunday, June 23, bidding ends on this 1924 Lincoln Wheat cent, graded MS-67+ RD by PCGS, on GreatCollections.com. Even though the Philadelphia Mint produced over 75 million pennies in 1924, all cents struck before roughly 1930 tend to be scarce in high condition. The present […]
The debut of the Lincoln cent was highly anticipated, by coin collectors and the general public alike. As the first U.S. portrait coin struck for circulation, with the bust of the universally popular president on the obverse, the new design was greeted with unprecedented enthusiasm. The August 1909 edition of The Numismatist notes: ” … […]
The Old Guard transports the flag-draped casket of the second Sergeant Major of the Army George W. Dunaway who was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery
The Old Guard transports the flag-draped casket of the second Sergeant Major of the Army George W. Dunaway who was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery
Solving the copper conundrum; summer expos around the corner By Jim Bisognani – NGC Weekly Market Report ….. Although the first day of summer is a month away, spring is still having a hard time establishing itself here in my New Hampshire. This morning, as I made my way to my home office, it was a rather […]
A second 1982-D Small Date homogenous copper alloy Lincoln cent has been discovered. Like the original discovery coin this latest find is also graded AU-58. According to the PCGS label it weighs 3
by Dennis Tucker
In the United States today the Lincoln cent is the most popular “classic” collector coin. Uniquely, it holds that position while also being one of the most popular modern coins.
To call the Lincoln cent a classic American coin is to group it with Buffalo nickels, Mercury dimes, Standing Liberty quarters, Liberty Walking half dollars, and Saint-Gaudens double eagles—all well-loved series that were born in the “Renaissance” era of U
Trio of Mnuchin signatures
On March 28, I turned in my recyclables and received from the recycling center three $1 bills, 2017 with Mnuchin signatures.
They are crisp, very uncirculated, and are of consecutive numbers.
Mitch Rudoff
Address withheld
UNC premium 2019-W cent?
You know what would be the bomb? If they [the U
A special NGC attribution and label are among the ways coin collectors can recognize this historic US Mint release. Special submission instructions must be followed. See the “Submission Instructions” section of this article * * * The United States Mint has announced that a 2019-W Proof Cent will be included with all purchases of the […]
In the United States today, the Lincoln cent is the most popular “classic” collector coin. Uniquely, it holds that position while also being one of the most popular modern coins
In the United States today, the Lincoln cent is the most popular “classic” collector coin. Uniquely, it holds that position while also being one of the most popular modern coins
In the United States today, the Lincoln cent is the most popular “classic” collector coin. Uniquely, it holds that position while also being one of the most popular modern coins
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has certified a 1943 Copper Cent that was found in a gumball machine decades ago. The 1943 Copper Cent is generally regarded as the most famous of all mint errors. All 1943 cents were supposed to have been struck in zinc-coated steel so that copper could be conserved for more important […]
By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, February 10, bidding closed on several high-quality Lincoln cents offered on GreatCollections.com. Below are a few noteworthy selections. 1929-S Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-66+ RD CAC The 1929-S didn’t see a great deal of circulation due to the Great Depression, but circulated examples of the issue are not uncommon today. Many […]
(Pelham, Alabama)—Whitman Publishing has released an updated and revised third edition of its best-selling Guide Book of Lincoln Cents. It continues in the popular tradition of the Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars and other Bowers Series numismatic guides, which number more than two dozen volumes
Whitman Publishing has released an updated and revised third edition of its best-selling Guide Book of Lincoln Cents. It continues in the popular tradition of the Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars and other Bowers Series numismatic guides, which number more than two dozen volumes. The 320-page full-color book is available now, in January […]
(Pelham, Alabama)—Whitman Publishing has released an updated and revised third edition of its best-selling Guide Book of Lincoln Cents. It continues in the popular tradition of the Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars and other Bowers Series numismatic guides, which number more than two dozen volumes
Currently listed at seemingly low prices in Mint State grades, the 1933-D Lincoln cent has long been overlooked by collectors more focused on years with lower mintages. (Images courtesy www.usacoinbook
The American Innovators $1 coin series is about to start. It will take us to the year 2032. The America the Beautiful series, which began in 2010, runs until early 2021
By Q. David Bowers
Collecting Lincoln cents from circulation and putting them in blue Whitman folders is the way that most people discovered numismatics from the 1930s down to the 1970s or so
By Q. David Bowers
Collecting Lincoln cents from circulation and putting them in blue Whitman folders is the way that most people discovered numismatics from the 1930s down to the 1970s or so
Collecting Lincoln cents from circulation and putting them in blue Whitman folders is the way that most people discovered numismatics from the 1930s down to the 1970s or so. The hope was to find a rare 1909-S V
By Numismatic Guaranty Corporation … …… Altered and counterfeit Coin – 1909-S VDB cents are quite common. Examining several key features can help you avoid counterfeit coins. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous United States coins, both as a genuine coins and as a counterfeit coin. Its status as a […]
Make sure you don’t get fooled by these pennies, which are not eligible for NGC certification.
In the United States during World War II, numerous changes were made in order to support the war effort
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for CoinWeek.com …… Searching through $25 worth of penny rolls is like going on a treasure hunt right from the comfort of your own home. For $25, you can pick up a box of 2,500 pennies from your bank and dive in on the pursuit of finding Lincoln wheat cents, Indian Head […]
Coin Rarities & Related Topics: Lincoln Cent Errors , coin markets #306 For CoinWeek by Greg Reynolds….. Although 1909-S VDB and 1914-D pennies are often thought of as the most important Lincoln cents, the most valuable Lincoln cent errors; ‘cents’ are the off-metal errors struck in 1943 and 1944, which relate to U.S. involvement in World […]
Friday morning at the Baltimore Expo I spent some time at the Kids Korner, gearing up for the young collectors who storm the bourse in full force mostly on Saturday when they’re off school. In preparation, we sorted Lincoln cents by type (Wheat, Memorial, and Union Shield) and stuffed Whitman bags with coins, folders, albums, and other prizes
Friday morning at the Baltimore Expo I spent some time at the Kids Korner, gearing up for the young collectors who storm the bourse in full force mostly on Saturday when they’re off school. In preparation, we sorted Lincoln cents by type (Wheat, Memorial, and Union Shield) and stuffed Whitman bags with coins, folders, albums, and other prizes
Photo from Beyond My Ken.
On March 1, the Royal Mint launched the Great British Coin Hunt, a project which saw the introduction of 26 new 10-pence coins related to British culture and history
Old-time collectors knew this issue simply as the “1922 Plain” cents, although the current terminology is 1922 No D Lincoln Cent No cents were coined at the Philadelphia Mint in 1922, accounting for the great rarity of 1922-D cents with no visible mintmark, nor were any 1922 cents struck in San Francisco. Three Denver die […]
On March 1, the Royal Mint launched the Great British Coin Hunt, a project which saw the introduction of 26 new 10-pence coins related to British culture and history. The coins proceed alphabetically from “A” to “Z,” with themes like cricket for the letter “C” or James Bond for “B
1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent – One of Just Three Examples Known By Ben Orooji, Numismatist & Cataloger – Stack’s Bowers ….. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is delighted to offer one of only three known examples of the 1958 Doubled Die Obverse FS-101 Lincoln cent in their Official Auction of the Whitman Coins & Collectibles […]
By Eric Brothers for CoinWeek ….. There is a lot of romance associated with coin collecting, and certain popular and greatly coveted coins convey that romance simply by mentioning them. One that comes to mind is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent. That coin has a “perfect storm” of romance surrounding it: a new design, a […]
(Newport Beach, California) — The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) graded an extraordinary Lincoln cent that was recently sold privately for over one million dollars.
This bronze 1943 Lincoln cent (wheat reverse) is the single finest known, with a grade of Mint State 63 Red (MS-63RD)
The following coin profile of the 1943-S bronze Lincoln cent error comes from LOT #4764 of Heritage’s 2018 Winter Fun Signature Auction that will be taking place in Tampa on January 3-8. Here is the catalog description: “The 1943 bronze Lincoln cent errors are among the best-known and most valuable issues in all of American numismatics. Their fame […]
Below you will find a dozen screen shots of problem coin lots that a knowledgeable hobbyist would never bid on. Can you identify the issue on the coin, label, flip, or description?
I’ll provide a hint with each sample
Given the fact that we are now celebrating the centenary anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy, I thought it would be prudent to discuss the first sets from the Mint to include the Kennedy half dollar: the 1964 U
Given the fact that we are now celebrating the centenary anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy, I thought it would be prudent to discuss the first Mint Set to include the Kennedy half dollar
Yes, the numbers are important, but they don’t tell the whole story By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… The United States Mint strikes billions of Lincoln cents every year. By any measure, that is a very common coin, and is probably not going to be worth much any time soon. Recently, […]
By CoinWeek News Staff …. A portrait of Abraham Lincoln made out of 24,500 pennies has won over $200,000 in prizes at the ninth annual ArtPrize international art competition.Richard Schlatter, a 73-year-old artist, illustrator and former ad executive from Battle Creek, Michigan, created the piece, which he titled “A. Lincoln” after the way in which […]
GENUINE 1972 Double Die Lincoln Cent – courtesy of Heritage Auctions. By Max Spiegel, Numismatic Researcher, NGC…. NGC recently received a fake 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, which is not something that we see often. There are a handful of varieties that are regularly seen faked, including the Philadelphia and Denver 1942/41 Mercury Dimes, the […]
GENUINE 1972 Double Die Lincoln Cent – courtesy of Heritage Auctions. By Max Spiegel – Numismatic Researcher, NGC …… NGC recently received a fake 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, which isn’t something that we see often. There are a handful of varieties that are regularly seen faked, including the Philadelphia and Denver 1942/41 Mercury […]
Whitman Publishing has released an expanded, updated second edition of its best-selling Guide Book of Lincoln Cents, a popular entry in the Bowers Series of numismatic titles. The book continues in the tradition of the Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars and other Bowers Series guides, now numbering more than two dozen volumes. The 320-page […]
Charmy Harker is the Penny Lady, one of the leading specialized dealers in the area of Lincoln cents. In this CoinWeek Exclusive video shot at the 2017 ANA World’s Fair of Money, CoinWeek editor Charles Morgan sits down with Charmy to discuss everybody’s favorite oddball Lincoln cent, the 1943 “Steel Penny”. The coin was struck […]
By James McCartney, Numismatist & Cataloger – Stack’s Bowers …… The Denver Mint struck over 12 billion Lincoln cents in 1982 and 1983 combined, ensuring that the term “scarce” would never be associated with cents bearing those dates. However, oversights in quality control and perhaps a bit of luck have resulted in two cents from […]
By CoinWeek ….. Handpicked high-eye-appeal U.S. coins are the hallmark of Legend Rare Coin Auctions (LRCA) and on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the New Jersey-based firm will offer 515 PCGS- and NGC-certified coins at their Regency XXII Sale. Many are either conditionally rare or rare in […]
We are pleased to present our offerings in the July 6-9 Summer FUN US Coins Signature Auction. This is our 11th annual Summer FUN event, yet Heritage’s history as Official Auctioneer for FUN goes all the way back to 1997 – now 20 years and counting. The current Summer FUN show focuses on collectors and […]
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has certified an extraordinary group of four 1942 and 1943 Lincoln Cents struck on the wrong planchets. Included in this group are two examples of the 1943 bronze (“copper”) cent, one of the most famous US error coins. In 1943, the US Mint used zinc-coated steel for Lincoln Cents instead of […]
Description: The Lincoln cent is the United States’ longest serving coin. Its 1909 debut marked the centennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Its elegant sculptural design served as the vanguard of a new wave of American coin art. And while the golden era of American coin design is most associated with medallic artist and […]
Description: The 1969-S Lincoln Memorial cent is collected by many people for many reasons. Among Lincoln cent enthusiasts, the 1969-S Lincoln cent is, at the very least, coveted for its merits as a business-strike and Proof issue produced by the San Francisco Mint and serves as a necessary addition to a date-and-mintmark series collection. For […]
1943 Lincoln 1C PCGS EF45 A Weekly CoinWeek Column by Greg Reynolds ….. Coin Rarities & Related Topics: News and Analysis regarding scarce coins, markets, and coin collecting #370 Just prior to the winter Coin, Stamp & Collectible Expo in Long Beach, California, the Goldbergs will conduct an auction of a wide variety of coins, medals […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for CoinWeek.com …… I recently had the guts to spend more than $100 in buying unsearched rolls of old one-cent coins on eBay. I know, I know, you’re probably wondering what possessed me to spend so much money on a bunch of circulated, common-date wheat cents. I’m sure I’d be giving P.T. […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for CoinWeek.com …… One of the most important U.S. coins in numismatic history entered circulation over the past several days, and barely anyone noticed – at first, anyway. The 2017-P Lincoln cent became the first-ever United States one-cent coin to bear Philadelphia’s “P” mintmark. The coin, which has already been discovered […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for CoinWeek.com …… Searching through $25 worth of penny rolls is like going on a treasure hunt right from the comfort of your own home. For $25, you can pick up a box of 2,500 pennies from your bank and dive in on the pursuit of finding Lincoln wheat cents, Indian Head […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for CoinWeek.com …… Searching through $25 worth of penny rolls is like going on a treasure hunt right from the comfort of your own home. For $25, you can pick up a box of 2,500 pennies from your bank and dive in on the pursuit of finding Lincoln wheat cents, Indian Head […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for CoinWeek ….. When the Lincoln wheat cents of 1958 were struck by the United States Mint, few individuals knew the coins would represent the end of a 50-year tradition. Collectors had little reason to suspect that the Lincoln cent, which had remained virtually unchanged since its debut in 1909, was set […]
By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for CoinWeek ……. 120 lots are heating up the July 19 session of the Legend Rare Coin Auctions Summer Internet Sale series. A variety of copper, silver, and gold coins take the stage in the latest installment of the Legend Rare Coin auction, with a concentration on classic type coins and other […]
Counterfeit 1922 No D Lincoln cent By Max Spiegel – Numismatic Guaranty Corporation ……………… The 1922 No D Lincoln cent has long been popular with counterfeiters but rarely do they go to the trouble of making dies. As a well known rarity, the 1922 No D Lincoln cent has been the target of counterfeiters for […]
GENUINE 1972 Double Die Cent – courtesy of Heritage Auctions. By Max Spiegel, Numismatic Researcher, NGC…. NGC recently received a fake 1972 Doubled Die Cent, which is not something that we see often. There are a handful of varieties that are regularly seen faked, including the Philadelphia and Denver 1942/41 Mercury Dimes, the 1955 Doubled […]
The 2015 United States Mint Silver Proof Set (product code SW2) will be available for purchase starting on May 14 at noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The set is priced at $53.95 and contains the following 14 coins from the United States Mint at San Francisco: Four Presidential $1 Coins honoring Harry S. Truman, Dwight […]
By Kathleen Duncan – Pinnacle Rarities ………. President Teddy Roosevelt influenced changes in all United States’ coin designs between 1907-1921. He became acquainted in 1908 with Victor David Brenner when Brenner was commissioned to do his portrait for the Panama Canal Service Medal. As the Centennial of Lincoln’s birth was approaching, Brenner had recently completed […]
A collector in Kentucky recently discovered the rarity. GreatCollections auctioned a rare circulated 1969-S Lincoln Cent, with the Doubled Die Obverse variety on Sunday, November 2, 2014. The coin had been graded AU-55 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Several serious bids were received for the coin, before it was sold for $19,800; over 700 […]
A collector in Kentucky recently discovered the rarity. GreatCollections auctioned a rare circulated 1969-S Lincoln Cent, with the Doubled Die Obverse variety on Sunday, November 2, 2014. The coin had been graded AU-55 by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Several serious bids were received for the coin, before it was sold for $19,800; over 700 […]