The 1926 S Lincoln Penny stands out as one of the most demanded coins among collectors of Lincoln cents. Though it might not have the same fame as the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent, the 1926 S is an important coin in the world of numismatics. Known for its scarcity in high grades, particularly with a strong strike and clean surfaces, the 1926-S is considered a pinnacle of Lincoln cent collecting.
History of 1926 S Lincoln Penny
Minted during a period of transition, the 1926 S Lincoln Penny has a relatively modest mintage of 4,550,000 pieces. The coin’s striking excellence and preservation have contributed to its rarity with this relatively high number. The 1926 S Lincoln cent was made in San Francisco, which was known for its deficient minting procedures at the time. This has contributed to making the coin, especially in higher grades, a semi-key date.
Specifications
- Designer: Victor D. Brenner
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
- Edge: Plain
Design
Obverse
The obverse side of the coin has a bust of Abraham Lincoln, bounded by the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top of the coin. The word “LIBERTY” is written to the left of Lincoln’s portrait, with the date and mintmark (if any) also on the right side of the coin.
Reverse
On the reverse side of the coin are two ears of wheat flank the words “ONE CENT,” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are written under the coin. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is shown along the top edge of the coin. This design represents agricultural prosperity and reflects the coin’s association with the American agricultural economy of the time.
Rarity and Condition
The 1926-S Lincoln Penny is famous because of its rarity, especially in higher grades. While the coin is not excessively rare in circulated conditions, it becomes very scarce in Mint State grades. A fully struck, lustrous example is a real rarity, making high-grade examples highly coveted by collectors. The 1926-S Lincoln Penny reached record-breaking fees, such as the $149,500 hammer price for a PCGS MS65RD example in 2004, showcasing its value among collectors.
Errors
The 1926 S Lincoln Penny is not especially known for significant minting errors. However, the coin’s striking quality issues from the San Francisco Mint usually result in weak strikes and less-than-perfect surfaces, which can impact its overall value.
Value of 1926 S Lincoln Penny
The 1926 S Lincoln Penny is extremely rare and hard to find in excellent condition, hence it is valued more in the numismatic market. It is considered a semi-key date in lower grades, but its real value becomes known in higher grades when in similar conditions it may exceed even the more popular 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent.
Also Read – 1864 Indian Head Penny: A Numismatic Rarity
Conclusion
In the historical records of American numismatics, the 1926 S Lincoln Penny has enormous importance. Collectors have come to adore it highly because of its limited availability and difficulty in finding excellently preserved parts. The 1926 S Lincoln Penny, representing the search for excellence in coin collecting, never fails to captivate and encourage coin collectors, whether it’s utilized as the main attraction of a collection focused on Lincoln or as an original piece of numismatic history.